1. ON THE holy hills stands the city [of Jerusalem and the temple] God founded.
2. The Lord loves the gates of Zion [through which the crowds of pilgrims enter from all nations] more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Israel).
3. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah [pause, and calmly realize what that means]!
4. I will make mention of Rahab [the poetic name for Egypt] and Babylon as among those who know [the city of God]–behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia (Cush)–[saying], This man was born there.
5. Yes, of Zion it shall be said, This man and that man were born in her, for the Most High Himself will establish her.