This psalm is listed along with II Kings 18 and II Chronicles 29-31, partial coverage of Hezekiah's reign.
4.16.23
The subtitle is: A song; a Psalm from the sons of Korah.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, His holy mountain.
Psalm 48:1, NASB
So the psalm is about Zion, or Jerusalem. God's city.
Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great King. God, in her palaces, has made Himself known as a stronghold.
Psalm 48:2-3, NASB
As with much of the Old Testament, this is partially referring to the earthly issues and partially referencing our future. David chose Jerusalem because it was on high ground. The whole earth will come there in Jesus' earthly reign for advice and worship.
The pagans thought the north was where the gods lived, so this is the claim that God is the real and highest God of the far north. And a He is the stronghold...not the early walls of a city. He tells us in Zecheriah 2:5 that He will be the walls around Jerusalem. Walls of fire. And the GLORY within her.
Verse 4 reads like maybe the kings were assembling together to try and defeat her (Jerusalem); but when they passed by the were amazed, then terrified, then they fled. (Which I think we'll see in the continuing story of Hezekiah's reign.)
Verse 6 tells us they panic; and verse 7 tells us that the Lord can use the east wind to break up the strongest sea ships.
Our God is greater!
Verse 8 assures us that what we've heard matches what we've seen...
...In the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish her forever. [Selah
Psalm 48:8 b, NASB
In verse 9 the psalmist tells the Lord that he has thought on the Lord's lovingkindenss in the Temple.The psalmist goes on to praise the name of the Lord and His righteousness. We can all be glad because of His judgements. Next the psalmist encourages us to know Jerusalem so we can tell of her to the next generation.
Finally, verse 14 assures us that God is forever and He will guide us until death.
What an encouraging word. We are now His Temple and he is our wall of Fire around Jerusalem. We are safe. And He will guide us.
I'm actually off this week and I have a list of things I need to do that require his guidance and my trust in Him. What a timely and good word to launch what I have next.
To Him be the Glory. Amen.