Psalms 48 - Meaning, Themes & Application

" [[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. "

Psalms 48:1 means God is greater than any problem and deserves enthusiastic praise. “The city” and “mountain” picture God being firmly in control. When you …

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

Psalms 48:2 means Jerusalem (Mount Zion) is pictured as a beautiful, safe place where God rules as King. It shows that God’s presence makes a …

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

Psalms 48:3 means God is clearly known among His people as a safe place to run to. “Her palaces” points to the secure places in …

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

Psalms 48:4 means that powerful rulers joined forces and approached Jerusalem, but could do nothing against God’s protection. It shows that no matter how strong …

" They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. "

Psalm 48:5 shows powerful enemies seeing God’s protection over Jerusalem and suddenly panicking and fleeing. It means God’s presence can turn fear around—making those who …

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

Psalm 48:6 means God’s enemies were suddenly overwhelmed with terror and helplessness, like a woman in intense labor. It shows how quickly false confidence can …

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

Psalms 48:7 means God can suddenly shatter even the strongest human plans, like powerful trade ships destroyed by a fierce wind. It reminds us that …

" 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. "

Psalm 48:8 means that what people had heard about God’s protection, they now personally experienced. God proved faithful and kept His city secure. For us, …

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

Psalms 48:9 means God’s people pause to remember how kind and faithful He has been, especially when they gather to worship. It encourages us to …

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

Psalms 48:10 means God’s reputation and praise reach everywhere because He always does what is right. His “right hand” pictures His power acting with perfect …

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

Psalms 48:11 means God’s people can celebrate because His decisions are right and protective. “Mount Zion” and “daughters of Judah” represent all believers rejoicing in …

" Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers "

Psalms 48:12 means God’s people should look closely at how He protects and cares for them, like walking around a strong city and noticing its …

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

Psalms 48:13 means God’s people should carefully notice how He protects and blesses them so they can tell future generations. It’s a call to remember …

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

Psalms 48:14 means God is not distant or temporary; He is a lifelong, faithful guide. He walks with us through every season—joy, confusion, illness, aging, …