Psalms 48:1-14 - Homilies By C. Short

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 . ( Psalms 48:1 .) Nothing unclean can permanently dwell in it. The heavenly Jerusalem.

II. FILLED THROUGHOUT WITH DIVINE JOY . ( Psalms 48:2 .) "God shall wipe away all tears." No permanent sorrow.

III. ETERNALLY SAFE FROM DANGER OF OVERTHROW . ( Psalms 48:3 .) Often threatened during her earthly history by the combined forces of evil which have been arrayed against her.

IV. GOD HAS EXPENDED THE GRANDEST POWERS OF HIS NATURE IN BUILDING IT UP .

1 . Moral omnipotence. ( Psalms 48:4-8 .) The history of past times and personal experience testify to this. He breaks the forces of evil as he broke the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

2 . It has been and is the theatre for the display of the infinite love. ( Psalms 48:9 .) " God is in Christ reconciling the world unto himself."

3 . Also for the fullest display of the Divine righteousness. ( Psalms 48:10 , Psalms 48:11 .) "Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne."

4 . He is the everlasting Guide and Light of the city. ( Psalms 48:14 .) Because he is its King and Father and Lawgiver. Here is a theme for grateful thanksgiving and joy and worship.—S.