PSALM 48. A Song. A psalm of the sons of Korah.

Theme: God's presence is our joy, security, and salvation. God is praised as the defender of Jerusalem, the holy city of the Jews. He is also our defender and guide forever.

Author: The sons of Korah (temple assistants)

1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. 2 Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. 3 God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress. 4 When the kings joined forces, when they advanced together, 5 they saw her and were astounded; they fled in terror. 6 Trembling seized them there, pain like that of a woman in labor. 7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish shattered by an east wind. 8 As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the LORD Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever. 9 Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. 10 Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness. 11 Mount Zion rejoices, the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments. 12 Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, 13 consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. 14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

Study Notes:

48:2 Why is Mount Zion -- Jerusalem -- "the city of the Great King"? Because the temple was located in Jerusalem, the city was seen as the center of God's presence in the world. The Bible pictures Jerusalem as the place where believers will gather in the "last days" (Isaiah 2:2ff), and as the spiritual home of all believers where God will live among them (Revelation 21:2, 3).

48:8 Because Jerusalem has been destroyed several times since this psalm was written, the phrase, "God makes her secure forever" may refer phrophetically to the new Jerusalem where God will judge all nations and live with all believers (Revelation 21).

48:11 The people of Judah were from Israel's largest tribe, which settled in the southern part of Canaan where Jerusalem was located (Joshua 15:1-12). David was from Judah, and he made Jerusalem his capital and the center of the nation's worship. Jesus was also a member of the tribe of Judah. The psalmist was saying that the day would come when God would bring justice to the land, and God's people would get the respect they deserved.

48:12, 13 After an enemy army had unsucessfully besieged Jerusalem, it was important for the people to make a tour of the city, [I highlighted the last part of this sentence.] inspecting its defenses and praising God for the protection it had offered. In times of great joy or after God has brought us through some great trial, we ought to inspect our defenses to make sure that the [I highlighted the rest of this study note.] foundations -- faith in God, knowledge of His Word, and the fellowship and prayers of the body of believers--remain strong (Ephesians 2:20-22). Then we should praise God for his protection!

48:14 We often pray for God's guidance as we struggle with decisions. [I highlighted the rest of this study note, too.] What we need is both guidance and a guide--a map that gives us landmarks and directions and a constant companion who has an intimate knowledge of the way and will make sure we interpret the map correctly. The Bible will be such a map, and the Holy Spirit will be the constant companion and guide. As you make your way through life, use both the map and your Guide.

I came to the table this morning irritated at myself for feeling put upon, and for not doing enough. I asked for God's forgiveness and thanked him for the future hope of joy and rest. God is with me even in my days of mini-rebellion. He knows my affliction, and he reminds me of his restoration work that is in progress. So, it is fitting that this Psalm of praise is read (& sung!).

Lord, bless this nation and this world. You save us while we are still sinners. You show us your way, and sometimes it is painful to release our stubbornness to follow your lead. Thank you for your Word, the Bible, that we can read each day to better understand your direction. And, thank you for the study note writers again. And thank you that we can come to you in conversation and prayer to remove our confusion. Thank you for your Holy Spirit of Truth, that remains with us. Lord, help us be able to handle the truth that is coming. In Jesus name I pray, sincerely.

A Song: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TdqfAkHCZnA

Have a blessed and honest day.