Psalms 48:1
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say God is great, but that He is "greatly to be praised." This emphasis suggests our praise shouldn't be ordinary or lacking, but should match the immense greatness of God Himself. It’s a call to elevate our worship to a level that truly reflects His magnificent worth.
This psalm celebrates Jerusalem, the "city of our God," as a place of divine protection and glory, likely after a miraculous deliverance from an enemy. It emphasizes God's greatness dwelling within this holy mountain, Zion, as the source of its security and beauty. The subsequent verses will describe how hostile kings assembled against the city but were suddenly routed by God's power, leading to joyous praise for His mighty acts.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, YHWH, revealing His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and holiness. It is the name by which He makes Himself known to His people.
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective
A place characterized by a set-apart nature, specifically dedicated to the service and presence of God. In the Old Testament, mountains are often the sites of divine encounter and revelation.
iyr · Hebrew Noun
A physical location set apart for the dwelling of God among His people; symbolically represents the center of God's rule, worship, and the sanctuary of His presence.
Psalm 48 likely celebrates a dramatic deliverance of Jerusalem from a powerful enemy, echoing the miraculous events of Sennacherib's failed siege. The psalm reminds us that the true glory and security of any place, especially God's people, lies not in its walls but in the Lord's powerful presence and protection.
c. 1010 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
King David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as the capital of Israel, naming it the 'City of David'. This marks Jerusalem as the central political and religious hub of the unified kingdom.
c. 967 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction
Solomon, David's son, builds the First Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father's desire and further cementing the city's status as the holy center of Israelite worship. This act signifies God's dwelling place among His people.
701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and lays siege to Jerusalem. Despite overwhelming odds and the Assyrian king's boasts, the city is miraculously spared from destruction by a divine intervention, as described in 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37.
586 BC
Babylonian Destruction of Jerusalem
This passage, speaking of Lucifer's pride, contrasts with God's exaltation and His holy mountain, highlighting that true greatness and a desire to ascend are rooted in God's character and dwelling place, not self-ambition.
Ezekiel 43:7This verse speaks of God's glory filling His house, directly paralleling the theme of God's presence making His holy mountain and city great and worthy of praise.
Matthew 5:35Jesus speaks of Jerusalem as the 'city of the great King,' reinforcing the significance of this place as the earthly dwelling of God and a focal point for His praise.
Hebrews 12:22This passage describes the 'heavenly Jerusalem,' presenting a spiritual fulfillment of the earthly Zion as the ultimate city of God, greatly to be praised for His eternal presence.
poolePsalms 48:1: "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."
THE ARGUMENT This Psalm was composed upon the occasion of some eminent deliverance vouchsafed by God to the city of Jerusalem from some potent enemy and dreadful danger; either that in Jehoshaphat’s time, 2 Chronicles 20 $, or that under Hezekiah, 2Ki 18$, 19$; in both which times there were holy prophets, by some of whom this Psalm might b…
ellicottPsalms 48:1: "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."
(1) To be praised. —See Psalm 18:3 , Note.
The verse doesn't just say God is great, but that He is "greatly to be praised." This emphasis suggests our praise shouldn't be ordinary or lacking, but should match the immense greatness of God Himself. It’s a call to elevate our worship to a level that truly reflects His magnificent worth.
This psalm celebrates Jerusalem, the "city of our God," as a place of divine protection and glory, likely after a miraculous deliverance from an enemy. It emphasizes God's greatness dwelling within this holy mountain, Zion, as the source of its security and beauty. The subsequent verses will describe how hostile kings assembled against the city but were suddenly routed by God's power, leading to joyous praise for His mighty acts.
This psalm celebrates Jerusalem, the "city of our God," as a place of divine protection and glory, likely after a miraculous deliverance from an enemy. It emphasizes God's greatness dwelling within this holy mountain, Zion, as the source of its security and beauty. The subsequent verses will describe how hostile kings assembled against the city but were suddenly routed by God's power, leading to joyous praise for His mighty acts.
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Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquers Jerusalem, destroys the First Temple, and exiles much of the population to Babylon. This devastating event marks a low point for the people of Judah.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
After the return from Babylonian exile, the Second Temple is completed and dedicated in Jerusalem. This signifies the restoration of worship and a renewed hope for God's presence in the city.
"Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain," — The verse doesn't just say God is great, but that He is "greatly to be praised." This emphasis suggests our praise shouldn't be ordinary or lacking, but should match the immense greatness of God Hims…
