Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 48

The Glory and Security of ZionThis psalm is a celebration of Jerusalem and its greatness, but above all, it is about praising God. The writer begins and ends with God’s praise, reminding us that God should always be at the center of our worship. When we honor the church or anything else, it should always reflect back to honoring God.v. 1: The psalmist starts by praising God and his greatness. He says that Jerusalem is the city of our God, chosen by God out of all the cities in Israel to be the place where He would be worshipped. God said about Zion, This is my rest for ever; here will I dwell, for I have desired it(Psalm 132:13–14 ). Jesus also called it the city of the great King(Matthew 5:35 ), showing that it was special because God’s presence was there in a unique way. Jerusalem is a place where God is known and honored above every other place. The people who live there are fortunate because God is great in their city.

v. 2: Jerusalem is called the city of the great King. It is also described as beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth. God chose its location, and what makes it truly beautiful is its holiness. Holiness brings a special beauty, even to a city. Because God’s temple is on Mount Zion, that mountain is especially honored and admired.

v. 3: God is also known for a refugein Jerusalem . This means that people in the city, even the leaders, knew they could turn to God for help and safety. When leaders trust in God, faith and religion flourish in the city.

v. 4: The psalmist recalls a time when the kings of the earth united against Jerusalem. The kings were assembled—they brought their armies together, confident that they would conquer the city, which was not only famous but also envied by many nations.

v. 5: However, when these kings saw Jerusalem, they saw it and marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. Instead of conquering, they became afraid and left quickly. It was not the city itself that scared them but the knowledge of God’s special presence there.

v. 6: Their fear is compared to the sudden pain of a woman in labor (1 Thessalonians 5:3 ). God can cause even the bravest enemies of His people to be terrified and defeated quickly.

v. 7: The defeat of the enemies is also compared to a storm destroying a fleet of ships: Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. God’s power can easily ruin the best plans of those who oppose Him. His anger is strong, and no one can resist it (Job 27:20–21 ).

God's Care of His ChurchThis section teaches how God’s people should respond when God powerfully protects them. It encourages us to trust God’s promises, to hope in the future of the church, to think deeply about God’s love, and to share these truths with future generations.v. 8: The psalmist says, As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord

v. 9: The people say they will remember God’s loving-kindness in the midst of thy temple. When they gather to worship, they think about all the ways God has shown mercy. All blessings come from God’s love, not from anything we have done. Remembering His kindness should fill us with joy, especially when we worship together and experience His peace.

v. 10: The psalmist gives God glory for what He has done: According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth. God’s fame is known everywhere because of His powerful acts. As far as His name is known, people should praise Him. The psalmist also says, Righteousness fills thy right hand, meaning that everything God does is just and fair.

v. 11: The psalmist calls for everyone in the church to celebrate: Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments. When God saves His people, they should be happy and thankful. Both the leaders in the temple and the people in the towns should praise God and enjoy the blessings He gives.

v. 12–13: The people are encouraged to 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(Psalm 48:12–13 ). They should look at the city’s strength and beauty and remember how God has protected it. They are told to share these stories with future generations so that others will trust in God’s care. The real strength of Zion is not just its walls, but God’s presence and His promises. This also points to the church, which is secure because it is built on Christ (Hebrews 12:22 ).

v. 14: The psalmist finishes by saying, For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death(Psalm 48:14 ). God’s love and care never change. If God is our God, He will guide us all our lives, even through death and into eternal life (Revelation 21:3 ). We can trust Him to lead us now and forever.