A Song of Ascents, for Solomon. If Jehovah does not build the house, they labor in vain that build it; if Jehovah does not keep the city, the one keeping it stays awake in vain.
I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. All the day and all the night they shall not be silent always; you who remember Jehovah, let there not be a rest to you.
Lift up the banner to Babylon’s walls, make the watch strong; set up the watches, prepare the ambushes. For Jehovah has both planned and has done that which He spoke against those sojourning in Babylon.
And David said to his son Solomon, Be strong and brave, and act. Do not fear, nor be afraid, for Jehovah God, my God, shall be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until you have finished all the work of the service of the house of Jehovah.
I turned back and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift ones, and the battle not to the mighty ones, and not even bread to the wise one, and not even riches to discerning ones; and not even favor to ones knowing. For time and occurrence happen to them all.
and give a perfect heart to my son Solomon, to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies, and Your statutes, and to do all, even to build this temple, for which I have prepared.
But you shall remember Jehovah your God, for it is He who gives to you power to get wealth; that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.