Psalm 48
- Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
- Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
- God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
- For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
- They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
- Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
- Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
- 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.
- We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
- According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
- Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
- Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
- Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
- For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Psalm 48 exalts the greatness of God and celebrates the beauty and security of His dwelling place, mount Zion. The psalmist begins by proclaiming the magnificence of the Lord and His worthy praise in the city of God’s holiness.
Mount Zion is described as a source of joy for the entire earth, situated as the city of the great King. The presence of God in Zion’s palaces provides refuge and security for His people.
The psalmist recounts a time when the kings of the earth gathered against Zion but were filled with fear and awe at the sight of God’s power. Even the ships of Tarshish were destroyed by God’s might.
The psalmist reflects on God’s lovingkindness and praises His righteousness, acknowledging His sovereignty over all the earth. They call for rejoicing in Zion and encourage future generations to recognize and proclaim God’s greatness.
In conclusion, the psalmist affirms the eternal nature of God’s guidance and presence, declaring Him as the everlasting God who will lead His people even in death.
Psalm 48 serves as a testament to the splendor of God’s dwelling place and His steadfast protection over His people. It inspires believers to rejoice in God’s presence and proclaim His greatness to future generations.