Psalms 48:1-3
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)
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The verse isn't just praising God for his city, but for his presence in it, making it the focal point of His holiness. It highlights that the true glory of the city isn't its walls or location, but that God has chosen it as His dwelling place.
This psalm likely celebrates a miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from an invading army, similar to events in Jehoshaphat's or Hezekiah's reign. The psalmist begins by exalting God's greatness and His chosen city, Zion, highlighting its beauty and security, which are derived from God's presence and protection. The text then moves to recount the swift and decisive defeat of the enemy, emphasizing that this victory was God's doing, not human might.
The psalm bursts forth with an exclamation of God's immense stature. But what does it mean to say God is 'greatly to be praised'?
The opening declaration, 'Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised,' isn't just a statement of fact; it's a call to action. The Hebrew word for 'greatly' here emphasizes intensity and manner. It suggests that our praise should not be ordinary or half-hearted, but should match God's own incredible greatness.
Think of it like this: if God is infinitely good, infinitely powerful, and infinitely loving, then our praise should aim to reflect that infinity. It’s about the quality and intensity of our worship, not just the quantity. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, reminding us that our response to God should be as magnificent as He is.
The psalmist points to a specific place – 'the city of our God' and 'His holy mountain.' Why was this location so significant?
The verse anchors God's greatness and praise to a physical location: 'the city of our God,' which is Jerusalem, and 'the mountain of his holiness,' referring to Mount Zion or Moriah where the Temple stood. This wasn't just any city; it was the place God specifically chose to dwell among His people.
Jerusalem, and particularly the Temple, represented God's tangible presence on earth. It was the focal point of worship, the place where His glory was revealed, and where His people experienced His nearness. When the psalmist speaks of God being praised 'in the city' and 'in the mountain,' he's talking about praise offered from the very place where God's presence was most keenly felt and displayed.
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.
This psalm likely commemorates a dramatic, divinely-orchestrated deliverance of Jerusalem from a formidable invader, highlighting God's sovereign power and His special protection over His chosen city and people.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah offers counsel and reassurance to King Hezekiah and the people.
c. 701 BC
Divine Deliverance of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem is miraculously struck down overnight by an angel of the LORD, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw. This event is seen as a direct intervention by God to protect His chosen city.
Post-Exilic Period (after 538 BC)
Rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple
Following the return from Babylonian exile, the people of Judah, under leaders like Zerubbabel and later Nehemiah, rebuild the city walls and the Temple on Mount Zion. This restoration signifies God's renewed presence and protection.
This passage speaks of the glory of the Lord rising upon Zion, echoing the theme of God's greatness and presence making a place magnificent and worthy of praise.
Ezekiel 43:1-5This vision describes the glory of the Lord returning to the temple in Jerusalem, illustrating God's presence as the source of his city's true glory and the object of praise.
Matthew 5:35Jesus refers to Jerusalem as the 'city of the great King,' reinforcing the idea of God's sovereign rule and presence making the city uniquely significant and holy.
Hebrews 12:22-24This passage contrasts the earthly Jerusalem with the heavenly Jerusalem, showing that the ultimate 'city of our God' is where God is perfectly present and is therefore the ultimate object of praise and joy for believers.
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 isn't just praising God for his city, but for his presence in it, making it the focal point of His holiness. It highlights that the true glory of the city isn't its walls or location, but that God has chosen it as His dwelling place.
This psalm likely celebrates a miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from an invading army, similar to events in Jehoshaphat's or Hezekiah's reign. The psalmist begins by exalting God's greatness and His chosen city, Zion, highlighting its beauty and security, which are derived from God's presence and protection. The text then moves to recount the swift and decisive defeat of the enemy, emphasizing that this victory was God's doing, not human might.
This psalm likely celebrates a miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from an invading army, similar to events in Jehoshaphat's or Hezekiah's reign. The psalmist begins by exalting God's greatness and His chosen city, Zion, highlighting its beauty and security, which are derived from God's presence and protection. The text then moves to recount the swift and decisive defeat of the enemy, emphasizing that this victory was God's doing, not human might.
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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.
"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 isn't just praising God for his city, but for his presence in it, making it the focal point of His holiness. It highlights that the true glory of the city isn't its walls or location, b…
