Psalm 48

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 48:12

Verse 12 12and 13Encompass Zion, etc. Here the prophet again commends the situation and beauty of Jerusalem, intimating that the city was strongly fortified and impregnable; and he does this, because in these external things the blessing of God in some respect shone forth. We must always bear in mind what he stated in a preceding verse, that “God in her palaces is known for a fortress.” In making mention here of her towers and walls, we are not to suppose that he would have the minds of the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 48:14

Verse 14 14.For this God is our God for ever and ever From these words it appears still more clearly, that when the prophet spake of the palaces of Jerusalem, it was not that the godly should keep their eyes fixed upon them, but that by the aid of these outward things they should elevate their minds to the contemplation of the glory of God. God would have them to behold, as it were, the marks of his grace engraven wherever they turned themselves, or rather, to recognize him as present in these... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 48:1

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised ; rather, great is the Lord , and greatly is he praised. The psalmist speaks of what is, not of what ought to be. Jehoshaphat had solemnly praised God for the deliverance from the Moabites and Ammonites, both in the valley of Berachah, when he came upon the bodies of the slain ( 2 Chronicles 20:26 ), and in the temple after his return to Jerusalem ( 2 Chronicles 20:28 ). In the city of our God (comp. Psalms 46:4 ; Psalms 101:8 ). ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 48:1-14

The psalm consists of two strophes, nearly of equal length, divided at the end of 2 Chronicles 20:8 by the pause-mark, "Selah." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 48:1-14

God's own Church the object of his special care. In this psalm, which is both song and psalm, and is one of those "for the sons of Korah," there is a general theme, illustrated by a reference to some historic event. The general theme is the loving-kindness and care of God over his Church. The specific historic illustration it is not possible to fix with certainty, although the preponderance of opinion, and also the largest amount of probability, seems to incline towards the wondrous... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 48:1-14

The Church and her Head. This psalm may teach us something of— I. THE GLORY OF THE CHURCH . The outward is the symbol of the inward. The glory of the Church is not material, but moral. Mind is of all things the greatest. One soul is infinitely more precious than the richest domains. Think of some great man—Newton, Bacon, or Shakespeare. If all the wealth in that one mind could be yours, would you not choose it rather than the grandest of earthly inheritances? And how rich... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 48:1-14

The eternal city of God. A patriotic hymn, to be sung in the temple service in celebration of a signal deliverance of Jerusalem from an invading army. Commentators are not agreed as to what army. Let it be taken as suggesting some things which may be said of the true eternal city of God , what it is, and what it will become through everlasting ages, exhibiting the greatest glory of man and the highest glory of God. I. SOCIETY FOUNDED AND BUILT UP IN HOLINESS . ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 48:2

Beautiful for situation ; literally, for elevation ; i.e. in respect of its lofty position. "Jerusalem, above all other great capitals," says Professor Cheyne, "is a mountain city." "It is a glorious burst," says Canon Tristram, "as the traveller rounds the shoulder of Mount Olivet, and the Haram wall starts up before him from the deep gorge of the Kedron, with its domes and crescents sparkling in the sunlight—a royal city". The joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion (comp. Romans... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 48:3

God is known in her palaces for a Refuge ; or, in her castles. The palaces of the king and his chief nobles are, no doubt, intended. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 48:4

For lo, the kings were assembled; they passed by together . Some see in these "kings" Sennacherib's princes, who, according to him ( Isaiah 10:8 ), were "altogether kings." But actual monarchs, each leading his own army, seem rather to be intended. read more

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