Ancient peoples connected the glory of a god with the place where he dwelt. That association is clear in this psalm. The holy mountain where His Ark resided reflected God’s greatness. This verse summarizes the theme of the psalm, namely, that God is worthy of great praise. read more
1. Zion’s privilege 48:1-3 read more
Psalms 48The psalmist praised God for delivering Zion from her enemies (cf. Psalms 46, 47). Jerusalem was secure and glorious because God had blessed it with His favor. read more
The lofty beauty of Jerusalem, situated on Mt. Zion, gave all people reason to rejoice. The writer compared its beauty to that of Mt. Zaphon far to the north of Jerusalem, specifically some 25 miles to the northeast of Ugarit. The NIV translation of Psalms 48:2 clarifies the reference to this second mountain. Yet what made Jerusalem truly great was the presence of the Lord in it."Zaphon, located north of Israel, was the sacred mountain of the Canaanites from which their high god El supposedly... read more
Besieging armies could not prevail against God’s stronghold. They turned away unsuccessful. It was as though the presence of God terrified them. The psalmist may have written these words shortly after an invading army, perhaps the Assyrians, had attacked Jerusalem and failed (cf. Isaiah 10:8; Isaiah 33:3; Isaiah 33:14). read more
2. Zion’s security 48:4-8 read more
The east wind can be very strong and hot in Israel. Tarshish probably refers to some nation to the west, possibly near modern Spain. Ships of Tarshish were probably large Mediterranean vessels. The writer pictured their destruction as symbolic of God’s defeat of nations foreign to Israel. read more
The psalmist could confirm earlier reports of God delivering Zion with his own eyewitness testimony. The Lord of Armies had indeed defended His capital with His mighty forces. Some of the Lord’s troops were natural: Israel’s fighting force. Some were supernatural: His angelic army. read more
Meditation on Yahweh’s loyal love and righteousness drew praise from the psalmist as he stood near God’s house. People-who live as far as knowledge of His reputation extends-praise God. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 48:12
12-14. The call to survey Zion, or the Church, as a fortified city, is designed to suggest "how well our God secures His fold." This security is perpetual, and its pledge is His guidance through this life. read more