Psalms 48
Psalms 48 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 48 summary
This psalm, as the two former, is a triumphant song; some think it was penned on occasion of Jehoshaphat's victory (2 Chr. 20), others of Sennacherib's defeat, when his army laid siege to Jerusalem in Hezekiah's time; but, for aught I know, it might be penned by David upon occasion of some eminent victory obtained in his time; yet not so calculated for that but that it might serve any other similar occasion in aftertimes, and be applicable also to the glories of the gospel church, of which Jerusalem was a type, especially when it shall come to be a church triumphant, the "heavenly Jerusalem" (Heb 12:22), "the Jerusalem which is above," Gal…
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This psalm, as the two former, is a triumphant song; some think it was penned on occasion of Jehoshaphat's victory (2 Chr. 20), others of Sennacherib's defeat, when his army laid siege to Jerusalem in Hezekiah's time; but, for aught I know, it might be penned by David upon occasion of some eminent victory obtained in his time; yet not so calculated for that but that it might serve any other similar occasion in aftertimes, and be applicable also to the glories of the gospel church, of which Jerusalem was a type, especially when it shall come to be a church triumphant, the "heavenly Jerusalem" (Heb 12:22), "the Jerusalem which is above," Gal 4:26. Jerusalem is here praised, I. For its relation to God (Psa 48:1, Psa 48:2). II. For God's care of it (Psa 48:3). III. For the terror it strikes upon its enemies (Psa 48:4-7). IV. For the pleasure it gives to its friends, who delight to think, 1. Of what God has done, does, and will do for it (Psa 48:3). 2. Of the gracious discoveries he makes of himself in and for that holy city (Psa 48:9, Psa 48:10). 3. Of the effectual provision which is made for its safety (Psa 48:11-13). 4. Of the assurance we have of the perpetuity of God's covenant with the children of Zion (Psa 48:14). In singing this psalm we must be affected with the privilege we have as members of the gospel church, and must express and excite our sincere good-will to all its interests. A song and psalm for the sons of Korah.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 48 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Great Is the Lord in Zion
1A song or Psalme committed to the sonnes of Korah. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praysed, in the Citie of our God, euen vpon his holy Mountaine. 2Mount Zion, lying Northwarde, is faire in situation: it is the ioy of the whole earth, and the Citie of the great King. 3In the palaces thereof God is knowen for a refuge. 4For lo, the Kings were gathered, and went together. 5When they sawe it, they marueiled: they were astonied, and suddenly driuen backe. 6Feare came there vpon them, and sorowe, as vpon a woman in trauaile. 7As with an East winde thou breakest the shippes of Tarshish, so were they destroyed. 8As we haue heard, so haue we seene in the citie of the Lord of hostes, in the Citie of our God: God will stablish it for euer. Selah. 9We waite for thy louing kindnes, O God, in the middes of thy Temple. 10O God, according vnto thy Name, so is thy prayse vnto the worlds end: thy right hand is full of righteousnes. 11Let mount Zion reioyce, and the daughters of Iudah be glad, because of thy iudgements. 12Compasse about Zion, and goe round about it, and tell the towres thereof. 13Marke well the wall thereof: beholde her towres, that ye may tell your posteritie. 14For this God is our God for euer and euer: he shall be our guide vnto the death.