Comment – In Psalm 48, the protection of God is celebrated on Mount Zion overlooking Jerusalem. The psalmist praises God for assisting the city against the invasion of the enemy, thus rewarding the great faith of the people of Israel. In the conclusion, an invitation is sent to look at what God has done for his city, endowing it with walls, towers and impregnable bulwarks that have provoked dismay in the adversaries, confirming the faithful covenant established forever.
Psalm 48 complete
[1] Canticle. Psalm. Of Core's children.
[2] Great is the Lord and worthy of all praise in the city of our God.
[3] Its holy mountain, a splendid hill, is the joy of all the earth. Mount Zion, the divine home, is the city of the great sovereign.
[4] God in his bulwarks appeared impregnable fortress.
[5] Behold, the kings have allied themselves, they have advanced together.
[6] They saw: stunned and panicked, they fled.
[7] There he was struck by them, pains as in giving birth,
[8] similar to the east wind that pierces the ships of Tarsis.
[9] As we had heard, so we saw in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; God founded it forever.
[10] Let us remember, God, your mercy within your temple.
Recommended readings- Psalm 76: complete, commentary
- Psalm 62: complete, commentary
- Psalm 102: complete, commentary
- Psalm 6: complete, commentary
- Psalm 20: complete, commentary
[11] Like your name, O God, so your praise extends to the ends of the earth; your right hand is full of justice.
[12] Rejoice the mount of Zion, let the cities of Judah rejoice because of your judgments.
[13] Surround Zion, turn around it, count its towers.
[14] Observe its bulwarks, review its fortresses, to tell the future generation:
[15] This is the Lord, our God forever and ever: he is the one who guides us.
