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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The enemies didn't just see the city; they saw it, the tangible manifestation of God's presence and power, and the sight itself broke them. This wasn't just fear of walls, but a bewildering awe that immediately turned into a panicked, undignified flight, utterly reversing the triumphant advance they had planned.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm recounts a dramatic victory where enemies approach Jerusalem, only to be utterly routed. After seeing the city's defenses or perhaps experiencing a divine intervention, the attackers are struck with overwhelming fear, panic, and confusion, leading to a hasty and disorganized retreat. This miraculous deliverance serves as a testament to God's power and protection of His chosen city.
The enemies didn't just see Zion; they encountered something far greater that sent them fleeing in terror. What was it they truly witnessed?
The text emphasizes the enemies' reaction: "they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight." This wasn't a mere tactical assessment of fortifications. The commentators suggest they marveled "at the wonderful works wrought by God." It was the manifest power and presence of God defending Zion that overwhelmed them. They looked upon the city, but their terror stemmed from a divine encounter, a revelation of God's might on behalf of His people. It was less about the city's strength and more about the God who protected it. This highlights a crucial truth: often, what appears to be an insurmountable obstacle is actually an opportunity for God to display His power in our lives.
The attackers didn't bravely stand their ground or strategize; they were instantly overcome by fear. What does this reaction reveal?
The enemies' response was not rational military action but pure, unadulterated panic. The psalm describes them as "astounded," "in panic," and taking "to flight." This isn't just a description of fear; it's a depiction of a sudden, disorienting terror that paralyzes and scatters. It’s likened to the sharp, unexpected pain of a woman in labor. This profound disarray shows that God’s intervention doesn't always involve direct combat; sometimes, it’s a divine disabling of the enemy’s will and courage. It reminds us that our spiritual battles are not always won through our own strength but through God's ability to undermine the confidence and resolve of opposing forces.
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Understand the original words
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.
The vivid description of enemies suddenly struck with terror and fleeing before Jerusalem points to a specific, miraculous deliverance, most famously associated with the Assyrian siege under Sennacherib. This event became a powerful symbol of God's protection over His chosen city and His people.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah and captures many cities, eventually besieging Jerusalem. The psalm's description of a sudden, miraculous deliverance likely refers to the mysterious destruction of the Assyrian army outside Jerusalem.
c. 734–732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
An alliance of Syria and Israel (Ephraim) attempted to force Judah into their coalition against Assyria. King Ahaz of Judah, besieged in Jerusalem, was saved by Assyrian intervention, though at a great cost.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon began its conquest of Judah, deporting many of its elite, including Daniel. This marked the beginning of the end for the kingdom of Judah.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's armies destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and scattering the remaining population into exile.
This passage describes a similar miraculous defeat of an invading army, where an angel struck down 185,000 Assyrians in a single night, mirroring the sudden panic and flight of enemies mentioned in Psalm 48:5.
Isaiah 33:3This verse speaks of defeated enemies scattering and fleeing in panic after God's intervention, echoing the astonishment and rapid retreat described in Psalm 48:5.
Jeremiah 49:24The city of Damascus is described as being seized by fear and taking to flight upon hearing news of its downfall, paralleling the reaction of the kings in Psalm 48:5.
Acts 19:16This account of the seven sons of Sceva being overcome by evil spirits shows a sudden, violent reaction that causes people to flee in terror, reflecting the panic and haste of the defeated kings.
wesleyPsalms 48:5: "They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away."
48:5 Saw it - They did only look upon it, but not come into it, nor shoot an arrow there - nor cast a bank against it, 2Kings 19:32. Marvelled - At the wonderful works wrought by God.
poolePsalms 48:5: "They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away."
They saw it; they did only look upon it, but not come into it, nor shoot an arrow there, —nor cast a bank against it , as is said upon this or the like occasion, 2 Kings 19:32 . So they marvelled, not so much at the structure or strength of the city, as at the wonderful works wrought by God on their behalf. They were troubled and hasted away: see 2 Kings 19:35 .
The enemies didn't just see the city; they saw it, the tangible manifestation of God's presence and power, and the sight itself broke them. This wasn't just fear of walls, but a bewildering awe that immediately turned into a panicked, undignified flight, utterly reversing the triumphant advance they had planned.
This psalm recounts a dramatic victory where enemies approach Jerusalem, only to be utterly routed. After seeing the city's defenses or perhaps experiencing a divine intervention, the attackers are struck with overwhelming fear, panic, and confusion, leading to a hasty and disorganized retreat. This miraculous deliverance serves as a testament to God's power and protection of His chosen city.
This psalm recounts a dramatic victory where enemies approach Jerusalem, only to be utterly routed. After seeing the city's defenses or perhaps experiencing a divine intervention, the attackers are struck with overwhelming fear, panic, and confusion, leading to a hasty and disorganized retreat. This miraculous deliverance serves as a testament to God's power and protection of His chosen city.
"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." — The enemies didn't just see the city; they saw it, the tangible manifestation of God's presence and power, and the sight itself broke them. This wasn't just fear of walls, but a bewildering awe tha…
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Last reviewed October 2026