Tobit's Song of Praise

Tobit 13:1 Then Tobit prayed:

"Praise the eternal God,
    praise the one who rules.

Tobit 13:2 He punishes us; then he shows us mercy.
    He sends us down to the world of the dead,
    then he brings us up from the grave.
No one can escape his power.

Tobit 13:3 "People of Israel, give thanks among the nations,
    where he sent you into exile;

Tobit 13:4 even there he showed his great power.
Let all who live hear your praise.
The Lord is our God and father forever.

Tobit 13:5 "Though he punished you for your wickedness,
    he will be merciful and bring you home
    from among the nations where he scattered you.

Tobit 13:6 "Turn to him with all your heart and soul,
    live in loyal obedience to him.
    Then he will turn to you to help you
    and will no longer hide himself.
Remember what God has done for you,
    and give thanks with all your heart.
Praise the righteous Lord;
    honor the eternal King.

"Although I live in exile in a foreign land,
    I will give thanks to the Lord
    and will speak of his great strength to a nation of sinners.
'Turn away from your sins, and do what pleases God!
Perhaps he will be gracious
    and show you his mercy.'

Tobit 13:7 "I praise my God and rejoice in his greatness;
    my whole being honors the King of heaven.

Tobit 13:8 "Let everyone tell of his greatness
    and sing his praises in Jerusalem.

Tobit 13:9 "Jerusalem, Holy City of our God,
    he will punish you for the sins of your people,
    but he will be merciful to all who do right.

Tobit 13:10 So give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
    Praise the eternal King.
    Your Temple will be rebuilt,
    and your people will be happy again.

"May the Lord make all your exiles glad,
    may he take care of your suffering people
    for as long as time shall last.

Tobit 13:11 "Jerusalem, your light will shine brightly for all the world,
    and from far away many nations will come to you.
Their people will come to honor the Lord your God,
    they will bring gifts for the King of heaven.
In your streets many generations will sing joyful praise,
    your name will endure forever as God's chosen city.

Tobit 13:12 A curse will be on all who make threats against you,
    on all who destroy you and tear down your walls,
    on all who demolish your towers and burn your homes.
But all who honor you will be blessed forever.

Tobit 13:13 "Rejoice, Jerusalem, because of your righteous people;
    they will be gathered together from exile
    to praise the Lord of the ages.

Tobit 13:14 "Happy are all who love you
    and are pleased to see you prosper.
Those who mourn over your suffering now
    will one day be happy;
    your happiness will bring them joy forever.

Tobit 13:15 "I praise the Lord, the great King;

Tobit 13:16 Jerusalem will be rebuilt
    and will be his home forever.

"Jerusalem, how happy I will be
    when my descendants can see your splendor
    and give thanks to the King of heaven.

"Your gates will be built with sapphires and emeralds,
    and all your walls with precious stones.
Your towers will be made of gold,
    and their fortifications of pure gold.

Tobit 13:17 Your streets will be paved with rubies and precious jewels.