The phrase "they passed by together" isn't just describing their movement; it highlights their unified intent to conquer, a single force advancing with a shared purpose against God's city. This collective march, before their swift and confused dispersal, underscores the magnitude of the threat they posed, making their ultimate defeat even more striking.
For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm celebrates Jerusalem as the secure city of God, then dramatically recounts how invading kings, despite their assembled might and march toward the city, were struck with terror and fled without a fight. This sudden, miraculous defeat, like ships dashed by a storm, highlights God's protective power over Zion.
Have you ever felt like the whole world is against you? This verse speaks to that feeling, but with a divine twist.
Psalm 48:4 describes a terrifying scene: 'the kings assembled; they came on together.' This wasn't just a few angry neighbors; it was a coalition of powerful rulers, a united front aimed at destroying God's people and His special city, Jerusalem.
Think of it like this: imagine the most powerful leaders in the world all agreeing to take down one small town. That's the picture here. They weren't just passing through; they were 'assembled' with a common purpose – to conquer.
This gathering of kings isn't a one-time historical event. The commentary suggests it can represent any time powerful forces unite against God's people, whether in ancient history, during Jesus' time, or even in the future. It's a recurring theme of opposition to God's purposes.
What happens when these kings 'pass by'? It's not what they expected, and it's all thanks to God.
The verse continues, 'they passed by together.' While the initial reading might suggest they marched onward to victory, the context of Psalm 48 reveals a different outcome. These assembled kings didn't conquer; they were thwarted.
A Miraculous Overthrow
The commentaries paint a picture of divine intervention. The kings saw Jerusalem, marveled, were struck with fear, and 'hasted away.' This wasn't a strategic retreat; it was a panicked flight. God Himself, through unseen means – perhaps a terrifying display, a sudden storm, or an overwhelming sense of dread – caused their entire campaign to collapse.
God's Power Over Nations
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The imagery used is powerful. Some suggest God 'blew upon them,' scattering them like chaff in the wind, or breaking their mighty ships like vessels in a storm. The point is clear: human power and alliances, no matter how formidable, are no match for the sovereign power of God.
Even though the kings 'came on together,' they also 'passed by' – not in triumph, but in defeat, their unity shattered by God's might.
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
Refers to earthly rulers and national leaders. In biblical usage, they are often contrasted with God’s supreme sovereignty and are frequently depicted as opposing His kingdom.
tamah · Hebrew Verb
Describes a state of profound shock or amazement. In a biblical context, it often refers to the overwhelming fear or awe experienced by enemies when they encounter the power and judgment of God.
bahal · Hebrew Noun/Verb
A state of sudden, overwhelming terror or fear that causes confusion and flight. It is frequently associated with the judgment of God falling upon those who oppose Him.
chîlâh · Hebrew Noun
A state of intense physical or mental distress, often used in Scripture to describe the sudden, overwhelming pain of childbirth or the terror experienced by God's enemies when confronted with His judgment.
'oniyyôth tarshîsh · Hebrew Noun phrase
Ships of Tarshish refer to large, ocean-going merchant vessels, likely named for their destination (Tarshish). Biblically, they represent human wealth, power, and commercial might that is ultimately subject to the sovereignty of God.
This psalm likely reflects a time when a coalition of enemy kings assembled against Jerusalem, only to be miraculously routed. The historical context of invasions and deliverances, particularly Sennacherib's failed siege, powerfully illustrates God's protective power over His chosen city.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion and Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and laying siege to Jerusalem. He boasted that his princes were kings, implying a vast coalition.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Miraculous Deliverance of Jerusalem
During the siege, an angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight, forcing Sennacherib and his army to withdraw. The kings assembled against Zion are scattered.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon begins deporting Jews to Babylon, including members of the royal family and the educated elite. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of Temple
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar conquer Jerusalem, destroy the city and the Temple, and deport the remaining population, ending the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Following the Persian conquest of Babylon, Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
This passage describes a similar scenario where various kings and nations assembled together with the intention of attacking Judah, highlighting the theme of hostile confederations gathering against God's people.
Isaiah 8:7This verse directly parallels the idea of invading forces, referred to as the 'king of Assyria and all his force,' marching against and overwhelming the land, setting the stage for God's intervention.
2 Kings 19:35This passage recounts a miraculous deliverance where an invading army (Sennacherib's) was struck down by an angel of the Lord, mirroring the sudden and inexplicable defeat of assembled kings mentioned in Psalm 48.
Revelation 16:13This New Testament passage speaks of kings of the whole world being gathered for battle, showing how the theme of worldly powers uniting against God's purposes continues throughout Scripture.
Matthew 2:7This verse records Herod gathering the chief priests and scribes to inquire about the Messiah's birth, illustrating how rulers (kings) can assemble and conspire, though in this case, it's for different motives than those in Psalm 48.
gillPsalms 48:4: "For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together."
For, lo, the kings were assembled,.... As the princes of the Philistines to seek for David, when in the strong hold of Zion, 2 Samuel 5:17 ; as the Ethiopians in the time of Asa, 2 Chronicles 14:9 ; and the Moabites and Ammonites in the times of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20:1 ; and the kings of Syria and Israel in the times of Ahaz, Isaiah 7:1 ; and Sennacherib with his princes, who, in his esteem, were kings, in the tim…
poolePsalms 48:4: "For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together."
Either those kings confederate against Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20 ; or the Assyrian princes, whom they vain-gloriously called kings, Isaiah 10:8 . They passed by, in their march towards Jerusalem. Or, they passed away , i.e. departed without the success which they desired and confidently expected.
The phrase "they passed by together" isn't just describing their movement; it highlights their unified intent to conquer, a single force advancing with a shared purpose against God's city. This collective march, before their swift and confused dispersal, underscores the magnitude of the threat they posed, making their ultimate defeat even more striking.
The psalm celebrates Jerusalem as the secure city of God, then dramatically recounts how invading kings, despite their assembled might and march toward the city, were struck with terror and fled without a fight. This sudden, miraculous defeat, like ships dashed by a storm, highlights God's protective power over Zion.
The psalm celebrates Jerusalem as the secure city of God, then dramatically recounts how invading kings, despite their assembled might and march toward the city, were struck with terror and fled without a fight. This sudden, miraculous defeat, like ships dashed by a storm, highlights God's protective power over Zion.
"For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. By the…" — The phrase "they passed by together" isn't just describing their movement; it highlights their unified intent to conquer, a single force advancing with a shared purpose against God's city. This colle…
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Last reviewed October 2026
