Now the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom the Lord had killed among them; the Lord also executed judgments on their gods.

The one true God acts in a faithful manner; ¹  the Lord’s promise is reliable; ²  he is a shield to all who take shelter in him.

but instead sought the God of his ancestors ¹  and obeyed ²  his commands, unlike the Israelites. ³ 

In the north ¹  when he is at work, ²  I do not see him; ³  when he turns ⁴  to the south, I see no trace of him.

From the city the dying ¹  groan, and the wounded ²  cry out for help, but God charges no one with wrongdoing. ³ 

Indeed, these are but the outer fringes of his ways! ¹  How faint is the whisper ²  we hear of him! But who can understand the thunder of his power?”

Then I will ¹  tell about all your praiseworthy acts; ²  in the gates of Daughter Zion ³  I will rejoice because of your deliverance.” ⁴ 

The one true God acts in a faithful manner; ¹  the Lord’s promise ²  is reliable; ³  he is a shield to all who take shelter ⁴  in him.

Do not hold against me ¹  the sins of my youth ²  or my rebellious acts! Because you are faithful to me, extend to me your favor, O Lord! ³ 

Appear in your majesty and be victorious! ¹  Ride forth for the sake of what is right, ²  on behalf of justice! ³  Then your right hand will accomplish mighty acts! ⁴ 

Then you will accept ¹  the proper sacrifices, burnt sacrifices and whole offerings; then bulls will be sacrificed ²  on your altar. ³ 

They devise ¹  unjust schemes; they disguise ²  a well-conceived plot. ³  Man’s inner thoughts cannot be discovered. ⁴ 

Even those living in the most remote areas are awestruck by your acts; ¹  you cause those living in the east and west to praise you. ² 

All day long my tongue will also tell about your justice, for those who want to harm me ¹  will be embarrassed and ashamed. ² 

Then we, your people, the sheep of your pasture, will continually thank you. ¹  We will tell coming generations of your praiseworthy acts. ² 

A noble wife ¹  is the crown ²  of her husband, but the wife ³  who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones. ⁴ 

Like a dog that returns to its vomit, ¹  so a fool repeats his folly. ² 

Jerusalem certainly stumbles, Judah falls, for their words and their actions offend the Lord; ¹  they rebel against his royal authority. ² 

Cry out and shout for joy, O citizens of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel ¹  acts mightily ²  among you!”

The mind that acts rashly will possess discernment ¹  and the tongue that stutters will speak with ease and clarity.