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Psalms, 48

1. <A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah.> Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

1.

2. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

2. Great is the Lord, most worthy of praise in the city of God, his holy mountain.

3. God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

3. Beautifully elevated, it is the joy of all the earth - Mount Zion, heavenly mountain, the city of the great King.

4. For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

4. Here within her lines of defense, God has shown himself to be a sure fortress.

5. They saw [it, and] so they marvelled; they were troubled, [and] hasted away.

5. The kings assembled together, advanced toward the city.

6. Fear took hold upon them there, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.

6. But as soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they panicked and took to flight.

7. Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

7. Seized with fear, they trembled, like a woman in travail,

8. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.

8. or like the ships of Tarshish, shattered by a strong wind from the east.

9. We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

9. As we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, the city God founded forever.

10. According to thy name, O God, so [is] thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

10. Let us recall your unfailing love, O God, inside your temple.

11. Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

11. Let your praise as does your name, O God, reach to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is ever victorious.

12. Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

12. Let Mount Zion rejoice, let the villages of Judah be glad, for your justice prevails.

13. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell [it] to the generation following.

13. Walk around Zion, count her towers,

14. For this God [is] our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide [even] unto death.

14. consider her ramparts, examine her castles, that you may tell the next generation

15.

15. that such is God; God is our guide forever.



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Footnotes:

48:1-2 - The psalmist begins by extolling the city of God, which is full of beauty and majesty. This psalm reflects the importance of Jerusalem as the center of God's presence and a symbol of hope for His people (see also Psalm 122:1-3 and Revelation 21:2).

48:3-6 - Divine protection over the city is emphasized, showing that God is a strong defender. Victory over enemies demonstrates God's sovereignty and His faithfulness in protecting those who belong to Him (see also Psalm 91:2 and 2 Chronicles 20:15).

48:7-8 - The destruction of enemies is a demonstration of God's power. This passage emphasizes that, even in the face of great challenges, victory belongs to the Lord, encouraging faith and trust in divine protection (see also Psalm 33:16-17 and Romans 8:37).

48:9-10 - Meditation on God's goodness is an invitation to worship. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of reflecting on God's works, which strengthen the faith and hope of his people (see also Psalm 77:11-12 and Philippians 4:8).

48:11-14 - The celebration of the city of God is a declaration of confidence in His rule. The psalmist concludes by urging the next generation to recognize God's greatness and the importance of living in accordance with His will (see also Psalm 78:4 and Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Verses related to Psalms, 48:

Psalm 48, of the sons of Korah, exalts the city of God. Why is Zion so significant? This hymn celebrates Jerusalem as the city of the Great King, highlighting its beauty, security and the terror it inspires in enemies. The psalm invites you to an "excursion" through the city, admiring its fortifications as a testimony to divine protection. The text emphasizes the presence of God as a source of glory and security. Psalm 48 addresses themes of worship, protection, and spiritual inheritance. Discover with us five biblical passages that resonate with the rich symbolism of this urban psalm.

Hebrews 12:22: "Yet you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, to the city of the living God. Thousands of thousands of angels arrived in joyful assembly." - This New Testament passage makes a spiritual connection with the Jerusalem described in Psalm 48.

Revelation 21:2: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband." - John's vision of the New Jerusalem echoes the glorification of Zion in Psalm 48.

Isaiah 2:2-3: "In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as the main one; He will be lifted up above the hills, and all the nations will run to him. Many people will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, that we may walk in his paths.'" - This prophecy of Isaiah reflects Psalm 48's vision of Jerusalem as a center of worship for all nations.

Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. And also, no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl. On the contrary, place it in the appropriate place, and thus illuminate everyone in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." - Jesus uses the metaphor of a city on a hill, reminiscent of the description of Jerusalem in Psalm 48.

Micah 4:1-2: "In the last days it will come to pass that the mountain of the temple of the Lord will be established as the chief, and will rise above the hills, and the people will run to it. Many nations will come, saying, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, that we may walk in his paths.'" - This prophecy of Micah, similar to that of Isaiah, echoes the themes of Psalm 48 about the glory and centrality of Zion.

FAQ:

What makes Mount Zion special in Psalm 48?

Mount Zion is special because it is God’s city, where He has chosen to dwell and where His people find safety and blessings. (Psalm 48:1-2)

How does the psalmist describe the beauty of Jerusalem in Psalm 48?

The psalmist describes Jerusalem as a strong and imposing city, full of beauty and security, representing the presence and glory of God. (Psalm 48:2-3)

What does Psalm 48 teach about trusting God in the midst of adversity?

Psalm 48 teaches that even in the face of external threats, trusting in God brings security. He protects His city and His people. (Psalm 48:5-7)

What is the people's response when they witness God's greatness in Psalm 48?

The people respond with reverence and praise, recognizing that God is the protector of His city and His people. (Psalm 48:9-10)

What does "God will establish salvation" for Jerusalem mean in Psalm 48?

It means that God will provide the protection and security of His city. He guarantees salvation, bringing justice and peace to Jerusalem. (Psalm 48:14)


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