Jerusalem is Greatly to be Praised
September 25, 2021
Commentary
This Psalm describes the glory of the city of Jerusalem which has been delivered from her enemies by God. The city of God is praised (vv. 1-3, and her attackers are defeated (vv. 4-8). For this reason, her people praise the Lord for His lovingkindness (vv. 9-14). This Psalm was written to commemorate the defeat of Sennacherib and the powerful Assyrian army. In his pride and ambition, he thought the conquest of Jerusalem was a foregone conclusion, but he had failed to consider the God of heaven. Jerusalem was not like other cities. It was not like Athens, Carthage or Rome. Jerusalem’s main line of defense was God Himself (v. 1). The Babylonians were only able to take the city once the Lord had left it (Ezek. 8:4; Ez. 10:19). When the enemy attacked it says, “Fear took hold upon them . . . as of a woman in labor” (vv. 4-8). The angel of God descended on the Assyrian army and in a single night smote 185,000 men.
When Hezekiah came to the throne the temple was in poor condition. Hezekiah’s father, King Ahaz, had defiled it by replacing the brazen altar of God with a heathen altar. When Hezekiah became king things changed because he loved God. Many of us think there is something wrong about letting our feelings show, whether they be feelings of joy or sorrow. This was not the case with the Jews. When the judgment of God came upon the Assyrians, they had something to shout about and they got emotional about it (v. 11). This Psalm concludes with an invitation to walk around in Jerusalem and to observe her defense system, “her towers,” “her ramparts,” “her citadels.” After an army had unsuccessfully besieged Jerusalem, it was important for the people to make a tour of the city praising God for the protection it had experienced (vv. 12-14). Reviewing the city, they are reminded that the Lord is their high tower forever and that He will guide them forever. More importantly, they are to tell of these things of God to the next generation.”
Application
Who do I put my trust in? Is it in my family, my job, my money or in the Lord Himself? I am the only one who can answer this question.
Psalms 48:1–14 (NET)
1 The Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise in the city of our God, his holy hill.
2 It is lofty and pleasing to look at, a source of joy to the whole earth. Mount Zion resembles the peaks of Zaphon; it is the city of the great king.
3 God is in its fortresses; he reveals himself as its defender.
4 For look, the kings assemble; they advance together.
5 As soon as they see, they are shocked; they are terrified, they quickly retreat.
6 Look at them shake uncontrollably, like a woman writhing in childbirth.
7 With an east wind you shatter the large ships.
8 We heard about God’s mighty deeds; now we have seen them, in the city of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, in the city of our God. God makes it permanently secure. (Selah)
9 Within your temple we reflect on your loyal love, O God.
10 The praise you receive as far away as the ends of the earth is worthy of your reputation, O God. You execute justice.
11 Mount Zion rejoices; the towns of Judah are happy, because of your acts of judgment.
12 Walk around Zion. Encircle it. Count its towers.
13 Consider its defenses. Walk through its fortresses, so you can tell the next generation about it.
14 For God, our God, is our defender forever. He guides us.
Who invented the phrase “Chicken-hearted”?
Whoever invented the word “chicken-hearted” didn’t know his chickens. I spring to the defense of the grossly maligned fowls, for a chicken is just the opposite. I have never seen a greater demonstration of courage, fearlessness, and loyalty … Continue