The verse begins with a declaration of God's greatness, but it immediately connects this to a specific location: "in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness." This isn't just about praising God generally, but recognizing His unique presence and dwelling place on earth, making that place itself worthy of praise and awe. The emphasis is on God's manifestation within a physical location chosen for His glory, making it a point of divine encounter.
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm, likely written for the sons of Korah, celebrates the divine protection of Jerusalem and its temple. It appears to be a song of thanksgiving for a miraculous deliverance from invading enemies, similar to events described in other psalms. The opening verses focus on God's glory manifest in His holy city, setting the stage for recounting how He defended it.
The psalm kicks off with a declaration that feels almost like an understatement. How can we grasp the sheer scale of God's greatness?
The opening line, 'Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised,' isn't just a statement; it's a call to awe. The Hebrew word for 'great' here speaks of immense size, power, and significance.
Beyond Human Measure
When the psalmist says God is 'great,' he means beyond anything we can fully comprehend. It's not just about being big; it's about being fundamentally superior and magnificent in every way. This greatness isn't something God does; it's something He is.
A Praiseworthy Nature
Because God is great, He is also 'greatly to be praised.' This isn't a reluctant endorsement; it's an enthusiastic affirmation. Our praise should match His greatness – it should be abundant, fervent, and all-encompassing. Anything less would be a disservice to who He is.
Why is God's greatness so intimately linked with a specific place, 'the city of our God' and 'his holy mountain'?
This psalm focuses on Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion, as the place where God has chosen to dwell among His people. This wasn't just any city; it was 'the city of our God' and 'his holy mountain.'
A Divine Residence
For ancient Israel, God's presence was localized in Jerusalem, particularly on Mount Zion where the Temple stood. This was the earthly symbol of His heavenly reign and His commitment to be with His people. It was a place set apart, holy because God Himself resided there.
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More Than Just Geography
While the psalm celebrates the physical city, the deeper truth is about God's intimate relationship with His people. The city's glory wasn't inherent; it flowed from God's presence. When God dwells with us, even our 'ordinary' places can become sacred spaces, reflecting His character and glory.
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.
Tsiyown · Hebrew Noun
Refers specifically to the Temple mount in Jerusalem, the site chosen by God as His earthly dwelling place, symbolizing His authority and protection over Israel.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A title denoting the supreme sovereignty and authority of God over all nations, creation, and history. It emphasizes His role as the ultimate Ruler and Judge.
misgab · Hebrew Noun
A place of defense or a secure refuge; figuratively used to describe God as the protector and source of safety for His people in times of trouble.
Psalm 48 celebrates the divine protection of Jerusalem, likely written after a miraculous deliverance, such as Sennacherib's failed siege. It contrasts the vulnerability of earthly powers with the eternal security found in God's presence in His holy city.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria campaigns in Judah and besieges Jerusalem. Hezekiah, king of Judah, trusts in the LORD and is miraculously delivered from the invasion.
c. 9th-5th century BC
Temple Built on Mount Moriah
Solomon builds the First Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, establishing it as the central place of worship and God's dwelling place.
c. 10th century BC
David Captures Jerusalem
King David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as the capital of Israel, later bringing the Ark of the Covenant there.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and exile much of the population, a devastating blow to the city's perceived security.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Completed
After the return from Babylonian exile, the Second Temple is completed in Jerusalem, marking a restoration of worship and a symbol of hope.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 48 by calling for the expansion of God's dwelling place, the church, and speaks of its strength and security, just as Psalm 48 celebrates the impregnability of God's city.
Ezekiel 48:35This verse provides a vision of the future Jerusalem with the name 'The LORD is there,' directly linking the dwelling place of God with His praise and glory, a theme central to Psalm 48.
Hebrews 12:22This New Testament passage shifts the focus from the earthly Jerusalem to the heavenly Mount Zion, the church of the firstborn, showing how the concept of God's holy city and His dwelling place continues into the spiritual realm.
Psalm 145:1This verse is a direct parallel, declaring 'I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever,' highlighting the deep personal commitment to praise God for His greatness, mirroring the essence of Psalm 48:1.
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 begins with a declaration of God's greatness, but it immediately connects this to a specific location: "in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness." This isn't just about praising God generally, but recognizing His unique presence and dwelling place on earth, making that place itself worthy of praise and awe. The emphasis is on God's manifestation within a physical location chosen for His glory, making it a point of divine encounter.
This psalm, likely written for the sons of Korah, celebrates the divine protection of Jerusalem and its temple. It appears to be a song of thanksgiving for a miraculous deliverance from invading enemies, similar to events described in other psalms. The opening verses focus on God's glory manifest in His holy city, setting the stage for recounting how He defended it.
This psalm, likely written for the sons of Korah, celebrates the divine protection of Jerusalem and its temple. It appears to be a song of thanksgiving for a miraculous deliverance from invading enemies, similar to events described in other psalms. The opening verses focus on God's glory manifest in His holy city, setting the stage for recounting how He defended it.
"Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within he…" — The verse begins with a declaration of God's greatness, but it immediately connects this to a specific location: "in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness." This isn't just about prais…
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Last reviewed October 2026
