Sunday School Lesson
February 10
Our Loving God
Devotional Reading: Psalm 93
Background Scripture: Psalm 48:1–3, 9–14
Psalm 48:1–3, 9–14
- Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
- Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
- God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
- We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
- According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
- Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
- 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.
- For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Key Verse
This God is our God for ever and ever.—Psalm 48:14
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
- Summarize the concept of God’s covenantal love.
- Explain the dangers of putting confidence in the methods God uses to protect us instead of trusting directly in Him.
- Write a prayer thanking God for His love and protection.
HOW TO SAY IT
Babylonian
Bab-ih-low-nee-un.
Jebusite
Jeb-yuh-site.
Nebuchadnezzar
Neb-yuh-kud-nez-er.
patriarch
pay-tree-ark.
Sinai
Sigh-nye or Sigh-nay-eye.
Tevye
Tev-yuh.
Yahweh (Hebrew)
Yah-weh.
Zaphon
Za-fon.
Zion
Zi-un.
Introduction
- “Do You Love Me?”
In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, we encounter a poor dairy farmer, Tevye, who values highly the traditions of his people. But the rapidly changing times in which he lives finds him stretched when each of his three daughters defies tradition. Tevye’s role as family patriarch is to find a suitable match for each daughter. His tradition values finding a financially stable partner from within the ancient faith.
A hired matchmaker arranges for the oldest daughter to be wed to an elderly, widowed butcher. But she is secretly in love with a poor tailor. Those two beg Tevye to call off the arranged marriage so they can marry. Tevye is conflicted, but he sees how deeply his daughter cares for the tailor, so he relents out of love for her.
Tevye’s middle daughter reveals disregard for tradition by marrying a university student with a head full of revolutionary ideas. Tevye feels he has no choice but to accept the marriage. Then his third daughter does the unthinkable by marrying a Christian. Tevye reaches his breaking point and disowns her. No more!
In the middle of his turmoil, he finds himself insecure. Each of his daughters married for love, a choice not afforded Tevye and his wife when their marriage was arranged 25 years earlier. So Tevye turns to his wife and asks her if she loves him. They have never spoken of their feelings for each other, so she gives an indirect answer by offering evidence of her love: she has washed his clothes, cooked meals, cleaned house, and starved with him. Her loyalty is all the proof needed of her love for him.
Does God love us? The author of today’s psalm would reply, “Just look at the evidence!”
- Lesson Context
Psalm 48 is often categorized as one of the Zion Songs. This category also includes Psalms 46, 76, 84, 87, and 122 (some students also include 126, 129, and 137). These celebrate the glory of Mount Zion, the hill on which the temple in Jerusalem stood. They are concerned with the theme of God’s kingship, having been written against a backdrop of competing gods and warring nations. Nationalism and religion were inseparable in biblical times, and each nation was thought to have a dominant deity who was responsible for the protection of its people. When nations warred, their gods warred as well. We see this in Exodus 12:12, where God, preparing Israel for the tenth and most devastating plague, says,
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.
Thematically, these songs celebrate God as Israel’s king, who chose to rest His presence in Jerusalem and, in it, the temple (Psalm 46:5; 76:2; 84:1; 87:1–3; 122:1–3; plus today’s text). From a perspective of comparative religion, a deity choosing to rest his presence on a strong mountain was not unique. For example, the pagan deity El was said to reside on Mount Zaphon (see more on Psalm 48:2, below). What is exceptional is the theme that God’s reign doesn’t stop at Israel’s borders. He is “a great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:2, plus today’s text; compare 1 Kings 20:23, 28).
- God Glorifies Zion
(Psalm 48:1–3)
- With His Greatness (v. 1)
- Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
When King David set out to unify the tribes of Israel, he strategically chose Jerusalem to be his capital. Jerusalem was centrally located between the upper and lower tribes; and as a Jebusite stronghold, it wasn’t associated with either region. A walled city set on a mountain or hill was the perfect spot from which to reign.
However, the song doesn’t open with a description of the height of the walls or the strength and numbers of the army stationed inside. Instead, attention is given to God’s greatness and holiness.
Interestingly, Jerusalem is referred to as “the city of David” more than three dozen times in the Old Testament, but never that way in any psalm. Instead, the Psalms refer to Jerusalem (or Zion; see 1 Kings 8:1) as, among other designations, city of God or city of our God four times. All Old Testament instances of those are in the Zion Songs (here and in Psalms 46:4; 48:8; and 87:3).
The mountain of [God’s] holiness is Mount Zion (Psalm 48:2, next). This is not the first time that God is associated with a mountain in His developing relationship with His people. Moses had stated that God would bring His people to live on “the mountain of thine inheritance” (Exodus 15:17). Chapters later, God has the nation camp at the base of Mount Sinai, where He revealed His power and gave the Ten Commandments (20:1–17).
Now, here on Mount Zion, the people are reminded of the greatness of Yahweh (God’s name in Hebrew, rendered Lord in translation). This greatness must result in praise.
- With His Presence (v. 2)
- Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Having established the emphasis on Yahweh, the psalmist briefly diverts his attention to the renown and setting of mount Zion. With the designation on the sides of the north, the translators have made a difficult choice. The Hebrew word that means “north” is Zaphon, a word that appears untranslated in Joshua 13:27 to designate a specific place rather than a compass direction.
If a specific place is intended, then the psalmist is making a reference to a location where a pagan deity is imagined to dwell (see the Lesson Context). The psalmist leaves no doubt that the God of Mount Zion is superior. On the other hand, if the psalmist intends a geographical direction, then this is further commentary on Jerusalem’s geography (compare Isaiah 14:13).
Either way, the exuberant conviction of the psalmist is obvious: Mount Zion, the city of the great King—designated this way only here and in Matthew 5:35—is (or should be) the joy of the whole earth and not of Israel alone. The close connection between God and Mount Zion is further seen in the Zion Songs at Psalms 76:2; 84:7; 87:2, 5.
What Do You Think?
How can we recast God as the joy of the whole earth when religion is viewed as a source of conflict and intolerance in many areas?
Digging Deeper
How does your evaluation of that obstacle in your locality influence how you will proclaim God as the joy of the whole world there?
- With His Protection (v. 3)
- God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
The psalmist turns his attention from Mount Zion back to God. The designation of God as Israel’s refuge continues a thought from an earlier Zion Song (Psalm 46:1, 11). By calling God their refuge, the psalmist reminds the people that God is their ultimate source of protection.
Strong walls are important for cities (see Nehemiah 1:1–6:15). Government, religion, and life itself are protected by such stone and mortar barriers. But the God who brought down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6) can also bring down the walls of Jerusalem. The people must never lose sight of the fact that God, not walls of stone, is their ultimate refuge.
He will be their refuge as long as they do not forget Him (compare Psalm 94:22). The psalmist seems to be creating an analogy, given that the word translated refuge is also the Hebrew word for physical, material defenses (Isaiah 25:12; 33:16).
In Psalm 48:4–8, not in today’s text, we see the consequences for those who dare threaten Zion’s security: God rightfully receives credit for destroying the enemy’s military strength.
What Do You Think?
What will you do the next time you find yourself putting your trust in resources you can see to the exclusion of trusting in the unseen God?
Digging Deeper
How do 2 Kings 6:15–17; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 5:7; Romans 8:24; and/or Hebrews 11:1 inform your answer?
Celebrate God’s Leadership
(Psalm 48:9–11)
- Because of His Loyalty (v. 9)
- We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
This is the only occurrence of the word temple in the Zion Songs (see the Lesson Context), although the alternative designation “house” occurs several times (Psalm 84:4, 10; 122:1, 9). Up until now, the reader’s imagination has been directed to the geography and defenses of Jerusalem. As the psalmist shifts attention to the temple, he again reminds the people that the true strength of Israel is to be found in God’s presence among them.
When King Solomon prayed his prayer of dedication for the newly built temple, he was aware that even though God chose to make the temple His meeting place with Israel, God was in no way constrained by the structure. Solomon marveled at the fact that the vast heavens couldn’t contain God, let alone the temple (2 Chronicles 6:18). Even so, God revealed that He had chosen the temple as His dwelling place as He sent His glory to fill it (7:1–3) and communicated to Solomon at night (7:12–22).
The temple is the ideal place to contemplate God’s lovingkindness. The Hebrew behind this translation is very common in the Old Testament, occurring over 130 times, but in the Zion Songs it occurs only here. Elsewhere it is often translated “mercy” (example: Psalm 5:7). This disposition assumes a hierarchy in which one in a higher position is merciful to one in a lower. In biblical times, kings would enter into treaties with their subjects. These treaties outline the relationship between the two parties. The loyalty that is expected between the two parties may be expressed in terms of love. The king would love his people by protecting them and by ruling them with just laws. The people, in turn, would express their love for the king through their loyal obedience.
So lovingkindness in this context refers primarily to King Yahweh’s fierce and unwavering loyalty to His people. As the people meditate on God’s track record as their king, they will find Him to be nothing less than a perfect ruler. He has never failed them. He has provided for the Israelites throughout their history.
Love letters
Valentine’s Day is nearly here. It is love-letter time.
How long has it been since you received a love letter or sent one? I have an old Whitman’s chocolates box that my father gave to my mother in the late 1940s. Though the chocolates are long gone, the box is full of memories of their love. It contains 30 letters my dad sent to my mom while he was stationed away in the Army. They were newlyweds at the time.
Even though those letters have been in my possession for more than 25 years, I haven’t read any of them. Why? I am fearful of invading my mother’s privacy. I realize that there might be something intimate in those letters. My homesick father could have written something meant for my mother’s eyes only. I don’t want to intrude on that, so those letters will never be read by me.
I have no hesitation when it comes to reading the love letters of my heavenly Father, though. He wrote those letters specifically for me. He wants to maintain a deep relationship with me. He loves me and doesn’t care who knows it.
Our heavenly Father knows we need to hear from Him. His love compelled Him to send us valuable letters. Are you meditating as deeply on the Psalms as you should?
—C. T.
- Because of His Righteousness (v. 10)
10a. According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth.
The psalmist returns to a predominant theme of the Zion Songs. Yahweh’s rule knows no limits. God’s praises don’t end at Israel’s borders. When His people consider His faithfulness to them, their worshipful response should be so great that it extends to the ends of the earth. (In other Zion Songs, compare “unto the end of the earth” in Psalm 46:9; plus “praise” and “praising” in Psalms 76:10; 84:4, respectively.) The half-verse before us therefore scoffs at the notion that any of the countless deities of the ancient Near East can challenge God’s reign.
10b. Thy right hand is full of righteousness.
Interestingly, God’s might is not mentioned as proof of His singular existence. Instead, the proof of His superiority over any so-called gods is depicted here in terms of His righteousness. This is a straightforward concept: it means that God always does the right thing.
This is the only place in the psalms known as Zion Songs where this word occurs (see the Lesson Context). But other psalms speak to God’s righteousness, with contexts often pointing to God’s righteous acts rather than only to God’s righteous nature per se (compare Psalm 5:8; 9:8; 65:5; 103:6). So important is the concept of righteousness that in Psalm 89:14 it is paired with “justice” as “the habitation” (foundational pillars) of God’s throne.
What Do You Think?
How will you answer someone who asks, “If God is righteous, then why is there so much injustice in the world?”
Digging Deeper
Consider how Paul interacted with audiences that accepted the authority of Scripture (example: Acts 13:13–43) and those that did not (examples: Acts 17:16–34; 24:24, 25).
- Because of His Judgments (v. 11)
- Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
Here we have another rarity: as “righteousness” in Psalm 48:10, above, occurs only there in the Zion Songs, the paired concepts of rejoice and be glad also occur only this one time in these psalms, although found frequently elsewhere (examples: Psalms 31:7; 32:11; 40:16). Indeed, the two concepts are found to be interchangeable as an author uses the typical Hebrew style of parallelism in poetic writing. Parallelism is where one line of text says virtually the same thing as the line that follows by use of synonyms or near synonyms.
An example of such parallelism involving joy and gladness is Psalm 53:6: “Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.” Jacob was the name of the patriarch who had his name changed to Israel (Genesis 32:28), thus the two terms describe the same people group that are named after that man. The parallelism extends to what this people group is predicted to do: rejoice/be glad. Although not precise synonyms, they are very close in meaning.
And so it is in the verse at hand. Mount Zion refers to the city of Jerusalem and daughters of Judah is figurative for the rural hamlets nearby. Thus they both describe locations of people. God’s protective judgments cover both (compare Psalm 97:8).
III. Teach Future Generations
(Psalm 48:12–14)
- Based on God’s Protection (vv. 12, 13)
- Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
After being explicit that the source of Jerusalem’s security doesn’t lie in her defense systems, the psalmist startles us with his encouragement that the people take stock in their man-made towers! The fall of Jericho affirmed that God’s power is greater than brick and mortar protection (Joshua 6:1–25). That said, the psalmist seems to acknowledge that God uses walls (and armies) as methods of fulfilling His covenant loyalty toward His people. (Deuteronomy 28:52 indicates the exact opposite should the people fail to honor their part of the covenant.)
- Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
The inspection of structures continues, with a purpose now revealed: to inform the generation following (compare Psalms 34:11; 78:4–6). The worshippers are to become so familiar with the defenses of Jerusalem that they will be able to tell their children about the city’s might. At first blush that may seem like an exercise in putting stock in human strength. But in this case, Jerusalem’s strength is a figurative representation of God’s protection and care.
What Do You Think?
How can we ensure that our support for, say, an antimissile defense system is not a failure to trust God for protection? What, if anything, does Deuteronomy 28:15, 52 add to the discussion?
Digging Deeper
Conversely, how can we ensure that our opposition to that same system is not out of line with the attitude expressed in Psalm 48:12, 13?
Ultimately, Israel fails to communicate to the next generation the importance of keeping its side of the covenant. Kings lead the people into idolatry, with injustice marring the nation. This results in a period of captivity, when God allowed foreign armies to conquer the land of the 12 tribes. The army of King Nebuchadnezzar will besiege Jerusalem, destroy its walls, and carry its people into exile (2 Chronicles 36:15–20).
What Do You Think?
What creative ways can you imagine for telling the generation that follows yours about how God has provided for and sustained you?
Digging Deeper
Consider the relative values of direct, personal testimony and indirect (social media, etc.) testimony.
Home Church Memories
I get a little misty-eyed when I walk through the door of my boyhood church. Going home causes you to remember. I think back to my Sunday school classroom—filled with active, inquisitive children. Oh, how our hearts thrilled at the character-building stories of the Bible! We memorized our Bible verses, and still can quote them after these many years. We made craft projects that brightened the day of a parent or grandparent.
Small things? Mere entertainment? Not on your life! Through such methods we were taught God’s Word. I can still see the faces of those who came up out of the water, grinning from ear to ear, after being baptized into Christ.
God showed himself to us, alive and active, in every gathering. He still does today, and He tends to do so through human vessels. What should be your role in this?
—C. T.
- Based on God’s Presence (v. 14)
- For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
The psalm resolves on a final note of confidence regarding our God (compare Psalms 48:1, 8; and 122:9). In verse 13, the readers are instructed to pass their knowledge of God and His ways to their offspring. But the knowledge of God is not the only thing moving in the future. God, himself, goes with His people. The one who will be our guide is the one who leads or brings (same Hebrew word in Psalms 78:26, 52; 80:1). Our source of protection and safety will lead us throughout our entire lives, if we let Him. We have the assurance that when we reach the end of our days (unto death), God will be right there.
Conclusion
- Our Loving God Leads and Protects Us
A song celebrating the city walls might seem out of place to the modern reader. For the Israelites, however, the structure was a tangible indication of God’s rule and presence. He was their king, the one who promised to lead and protect them.
This psalm would have presented a challenge to the worshipper during the time of the Babylonian exile. The reality of Jerusalem’s destruction in 586 BC starkly contrasted with the message of Psalm 48.
The tension is relieved as we consider again King Solomon’s prayer of dedication of the newly built temple. He anticipated the possibility that Israel would rebel against God and be cast into exile as a result. Solomon implored God that if His people would deeply repent of their sins and turn their hearts back to Him, then He would hear them, forgive them, and restore them (2 Chronicles 6:36–39). The irony is palpable, since wise Solomon himself ended up much less than wise as he allowed foreign wives to lead him into idolatry within Jerusalem’s walls (see 1 Kings 11:7–10).
God continued to be their king and their fortress, even after the city walls were demolished by a foreign army. The subsequent exile challenged Israel’s confidence in their God, but He proved His sovereign loyalty to them time and again. And He displayed His loyalty even as their disloyalty resulted in their own demise.
Today, we serve our Lord Jesus, who expressed His loyalty to us through His death and resurrection. We can be confident in His good rule and love for us. Our task is to pass that love and message to others (Matthew 28:19, 20). That’s the greatest show of loyalty to Him we can offer!
- Prayer
Lord God, You are our strong and mighty king. We thank You for the tangible ways that You’ve protected us throughout the years. We thank You for governing us with Your holiness and righteousness. May everything we do, think, and say be an expression of our love for You. We pray in the name of King Jesus. Amen.
- Thought to Remember
God’s protection is an expression of His love.[1]
KID’S CORNER
Thoughts that Inspire Worship
February 10, 2019
Psalms 48:1-14
Psalms 48:1-14
(Psalms 48:1) A Song. A Psalm of the Korahites. Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain,
The Sons of Korah (also translated as Korathite and Korahite) were a family of Levites set over the song services at the tabernacle or tent of meeting by King David (see 1 Chronicles 6:31ff).
The city of our God is Jerusalem and His holy mountain in Mount Zion, the highest mountain in ancient Jerusalem upon which King David built a magnificent fortress. King David set up the tabernacle on Mount Moriah, upon which King Solomon built the temple. The Psalm first leads the people to praise the LORD (Jehovah or Yahweh) because of His greatness. Because of His greatness, worshipers are called to praise the LORD greatly (with all their heart, strength, and voice in song). Since the LORD resided in the tabernacle (and later King Solomon’s temple) in Jerusalem, the city is called “the city of our God,” where the people went to meet God. Because the LORD is holy and resided within the city, both Mount Zion and Mount Moriah were considered holy (set apart by God for pure worship and righteous use). No idols of ancient Egypt or their neighbors encouraged holy, loving, moral behavior; rather, these idols encouraged immoral behavior even during their worship, including the murder of their children in child sacrifice. Idols cannot express love and power for the benefit of those who worship them. The Israelites’ history and knowledge of Yahweh, the true God, showed the Israelites that the LORD their God deserved all their praise, total devotion, and obedience to His commandments.
(Psalms 48:2) beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
As believers travelled from the far north and saw from a distance and drew closer to the north side of Jerusalem on Mount Zion, which was beautiful because of its elevation or situation on the mountain, they felt true joy. Those leading in worship also encouraged those singing to praise the LORD for His beautiful character and nature as their great King, Who resided within the city and Who had inspired the building of His city. In song, believers proclaimed that the LORD is the source of all true joy on earth, and at the return of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, everyone on earth will know that the LORD is the One who is the ultimate cause of all joy.
(Psalms 48:3) Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.
Citadels are forts or castles with towers and walls. When believers saw the stronghold for protection that Jerusalem had become under the leadership of kings David and Solomon, they knew that the LORD had made all these fortifications possible; therefore, they praised the LORD for making himself known as a fortress. The Psalm inspired true worship and encouraged those singing to trust in the LORD as their fortress and not in the walls and towers that surrounded the city. The citadels were only outward expressions of the LORD’s love for and protection of His people. Though Jerusalem was the city of the great King, they needed to trust in the presence and power of the LORD to save and protect them.
(Psalms 48:4) For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together.
The psalmist now moves from singing about the experiences of those who love and serve the LORD when they see Jerusalem to singing of the enemies of Israel and the LORD when they first see the city and it towers and walls. The kings assembled with their armies to conquer the city, until they saw Jerusalem with its citadels.
(Psalms 48:5) As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight.
At various times reported in the Old Testament, the enemies of Israel came against the city of Jerusalem. Most memorably, perhaps, was the time the Babylonians destroyed the city and the temple in 586 BC and carried the Jews into captivity. But at the time the Psalmist composes this song, the grace of God and the Israelites’ obedience to the LORD’s commandments led the LORD to glorify Jerusalem in the eyes of their enemies so that they panicked and fled rather than attack Jerusalem. They fled in panic fearing a mighty army might come forth from the city, march against them, and destroy them. In the days of King Solomon, kings and queens from various nations came to marvel at the splendor of the city, the temple, and King Sol0mon’s palace (as well as learn from his wisdom).
(Psalms 48:6) Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor.
The psalmist now describes more graphically how these enemy kings and their armies panicked and fled. They trembled in fear from just seeing the city’s defenses and the fact that most of them would probably die if they attacked the city. Their dread of attacking could only be compared to a mother who was about to give birth to her baby, and there was no joy set before them as there is for an expectant mother. In their past, the LORD had protected Jerusalem so well that the Israelites came to believe that no matter how they behaved that the appearance of their fortress city and the presence of their God in their temple would always protect them from their enemies. Therefore, they refused to heed the warnings of Jeremiah and the other prophets who called them to repent of their sins, warning that if they did not turn back to the LORD that the LORD would destroy their city and temple. Eventually, the LORD had to punish them for their disobedience.
(Psalms 48:7) By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.
Tarshish was probably in Spain. It was so far from Israel that Jonah tried to flee from the LORD to Tarshish. The psalmist tells us that the LORD and the appearance of Jerusalem’s citadels sowed fear and scattered their enemies so thoroughly that the psalmist could only compare their defeat to an east wind shattering the ships of Tarshish in the Mediterranean Sea—probably many of them had heard stories about strong winds destroying fleets of ships from Tarshish and other places.
(Psalms 48:8) As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah.
This verse of praise is neither a prophecy nor a promise from the LORD that no matter how immoral they became or how much they rebelled against the LORD that the LORD would forever defend the Israelites from their enemies to preserve His city and His temple. In this verse, “the LORD of hosts” means “the LORD of an army of angels.” The LORD, the great King, had the ability to defend His city and temple from all His enemies; unless He needed to destroy Jerusalem and His temple to discipline His people. The Israelites needed to turn to, trust in, and obey the LORD instead of trusting in the protection of the wonderful city and temple God had given them. Since the Judeans did not learn from the LORD’s destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel for its idolatry despite their prophets’ warnings, they ignored the dire predictions of their own prophets and refused to repent; therefore, the LORD used the Babylonians as His servants to destroy their city and temple.
The word “Selah” is used 71 times in the Old Testament and possibly means “Forever” as an exclamation by the leaders and people to affirm a truth, or it may be a term that was used for directing those singing the psalm.
(Psalms 48:9) We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.
The psalmist now turns from describing the magnificent city of Jerusalem—that revealed the glory of God—to thoughts about Solomon’s temple. The temple services, where the people could meet with and pray to the LORD, along with its sacrifices and assurances of forgiveness and peace with God, demonstrated the steadfast love of God. When the people entered the temple gates and the courts of the temple (the people could not enter the holy places reserved for the priests), they thought of God’s blessings and steadfast love, which unhappily they began to take for granted.
(Psalms 48:10) As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
The name of the LORD (the power and greatness of Israel’s God) was known in all Egypt after the Exodus and by all of Israel’s neighbors after King David finally subdued them. Therefore, Israel’s enemies feared both Israel’s God and King Solomon’s well-equipped army. Israel’s praise of the LORD, their amazement at the LORD’s deeds, and stories about Israel’s almighty God and His wonderful works in history had reached Israel’s neighbors and even those far beyond Israel’s borders (that the psalmist described as “the ends of the earth”). The LORD had worked among Abraham and his descendants because the LORD’s “right hand” (meaning “the power of God”) was used only for righteous (right, holy, loving, just) purposes. When God defeated Israel’s enemies or disciplined Israel for their rebellion, He always did what was deserved, good, and right.
(Psalms 48:11) Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments!
The psalmist wanted all Jerusalem (Mount Zion) to be glad when people entered the city to meet at the temple and worship the LORD. Because the psalmist spoke of Judah, it seems by this time Israel had been divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, with only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin composing the southern kingdom and remaining loyal to the house of David. “Daughters of Judah” has been interpreted to mean the small cities and towns that composed the southern kingdom, but the psalmist may very well have meant the actual daughters of the Judeans. The psalmist wanted people to rejoice not only because of the beauty of Jerusalem and King Solomon’s temple that revealed some of the LORD’s glory, but primarily rejoice in God’s moral (holy, loving, just, righteous, gracious, forgiving) character that served as the basis for all of the LORD’s judgments and should motivate people to obey the LORD.
(Psalms 48:12) Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers,
In his psalm of praise, the psalmist returned to the beauty and the security offered by Zion, the City of Jerusalem, with its walls and towers. The song encouraged worshipers to praise the LORD from whom all blessings flow, but too soon they began to take pride in building a marvelous city.
(Psalms 48:13) consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation
Unfortunately, as some of the Judeans repeatedly sang this Psalm, they began to trust increasingly in what their eyes beheld as an unassailable, invincible fortress that would always protect them, rather than focus on the LORD, on thanking the LORD, on serving the LORD, and on praising the LORD in the beauty of holiness. They forgot that only the LORD can give true security. Interestingly, they would only need to tell the next generation about the beauty of Jerusalem and the temple if the next generation would not be able to see if for themselves.
(Psalms 48:14) that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.
In my opinion, the King James Version translation of this verse is to be preferred to the ESV and the NRSV translations. The KJV reads: “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” From Psalm 48, we learn something about the LORD who created and gave the beautiful city of Jerusalem and the temple to His people. The LORD has made himself known by what He has done, and because of His judgments He is worthy of praise. The LORD is the great King. The LORD is holy and righteous. The LORD manifests steadfast love in all He does. Because of the attributes and character of the LORD that the psalmist declares, the LORD is worthy of great praise. The LORD is and will always be God forever and ever. The Psalmist wanted all the worshipers to proclaim that God would guide them forever (if only they would serve the LORD exclusively and submit themselves to obeying His commands and following His guidance).
Thoughts that Inspire Worship
February 10, 2019
Psalms 48:1-14
“We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple” (Psalms 48:9). During the reigns of King David and King Solomon, the LORD blessed His people beyond anything they could have ever imagined. As Psalms 48 reveals, the LORD empowered King David to build a fortress on Mount Zion, the LORD’s holy mountain, that was so elevated and situated that whenever invading Kings approached Jerusalem (up to that time) they panicked, trembled in fear, and fled. Jerusalem served as the city of the Great King, the LORD of the universe, where people went and praised the LORD who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and all their enemies in the land the LORD had promised them. The city only became vulnerable to its enemies after God’s people turned from the LORD to serve idols; then, the LORD had to discipline them. The psalmist also encouraged the people to go into the presence of the LORD “in the midst of the temple” (they could only enter the outer courts) and think of the steadfast love of the LORD who had blessed them personally and as a nation. The LORD’s right hand was “filled with righteousness;” which meant that God always and only used His power for doing right. As the Great King over all the earth, the LORD passed judgments that rewarded faithfulness and punished evil; therefore, the psalmist encouraged the daughters of Jerusalem (perhaps meaning the people in the small towns and cities around Jerusalem) to rejoice. Today, when believers worship among the people of God they can do as the ancient Israelites: think of God’s steadfast love for them, praise God for His righteousness, and rejoice because His judgments are always loving, right, and true.
Thinking Further
Thoughts that Inspire Worship
February 10, 2019
Psalms 48:1-14
Name ________________________
- Whose city is located on Mount Zion and what is its name? Describe some characteristics of this owner as revealed in Psalm 48?
- Describe the city on Mount Zion.
- How does the psalmist say the LORD has made himself known? What does that mean to you?
- What did the kings do when they assembled at Mount Zion?
- Where did the Israelites think of the steadfast love of God? What are some of the ways God showed His steadfast love to the Israelites?
Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further
- Whose city is located on Mount Zion and what is its name? Describe some characteristics of its owner as revealed in Psalm 48? The city on Mount Zion is Jerusalem and it belongs to the Great King. The Great King is the LORD, who maintains steadfast love to His people, whose right hand is filled with righteousness, whose judgments bring rejoicing, who guides believers, and who is forever and ever.
- Describe the city on Mount Zion. It is beautiful to behold and is elevated in a good situation. It is well fortified with towers and walls. It brings joy to all the earth. It is the city of the LORD of hosts.
- How does the psalmist say the LORD has made himself known? What does that mean to you? The LORD has made himself known as a fortress. The LORD is my protection and the LORD will go with me wherever He leads me.
- What did the kings do when they assembled at Mount Zion? They saw the city and were astounded. They panicked and fled with trembling and in anguish.
- Where did the Israelites think of the steadfast love of God? What are some of the ways God showed His steadfast love to the Israelites? In the midst of their beautiful temple. God showed His steadfast love by giving them a well-fortified and beautiful city and temple that He inspired kings David and Solomon to build for their protection, for worship, and for learning about the LORD and what He required of them.
Word Search
Thoughts that Inspire Worship
February 10, 2019
Psalms 48:1-14
Name ________________________
O I K C I N A P H S O N G D E
B N F G N I K D J D A T I C F
C M K I B G T A P C W B R V G
I S N P U K N U V E H L J D Y
T J K S E L U G I B D F O L Q
A X O A F T O H P K E T V R S
D G R L Y E M T W M B O U Q D
E V A M S W L E Z J H S E F Y
L P H I R O G R G X E L O N C
M D A H S I H S R A T S H Z P
Y R G C R O Z P X U N W U T W
P B K X E Y S U S M L V D S N
K X S V L J K Q C N O I Z G F
W V P O N H E L P M E T N I S
N T H G C I K V E C I O J E R
Song
Psalm
Korah
LORD
Praise
Holy
Mount
Zion
King
Citadel
Panic
Tarshish
Temple
Daughters
Rejoice
True and False Test
Thoughts that Inspire Worship
February 10, 2019
Psalms 48:1-14
Name ________________________
Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.
- The Sons of Korah were mighty warriors who protected Jerusalem. True or False
- Mount Zion is God’s holy mountain. True or False
- Mount Zion had a fortress and God made himself known to His people as their fortress. True or False
- When kings gathered to attack Jerusalem they laughed when they saw the citadels dancing on top of the city’s walls. True or False
- When the people of Jerusalem saw the mighty armies coming toward Jerusalem, they panicked and fled in fright to Egypt. True or False
- The Psalmist said Mount Zion was the joy of all the earth. True or False
- Those who labored outside the gates of Jerusalem labored in anguish. True or False
- Because of God’s judgments the daughters of Judah were told to rejoice. True or False
- The psalm said the people should count the number of towers around Jerusalem. True or False
- The psalm taught that God would guide His people until He had to destroy their city and temple because of their disobedience. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
10.False
Prayer
Lord Jesus, please help us trust totally in You as our Great King and Savior. Please help us look upon the many blessings You have bestowed upon us and remember that they came from Your Hand, from Your steadfast love and faithfulness toward us. Please guide us daily and help us look to You so we will live according to the Light You give us and the Truth of Who You are and will be forever and ever. In Your Name we pray. Amen.