---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Psalms 48"
description: "PSALM 48   :-. This is a spirited Psalm and song (compare  :-), having probably been suggested by the same occasion as the
foregoing. It sets forth the pr"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/psalms/48"
---

PSALM 48

. This is a spirited Psalm and song (compare ), having probably been suggested by the same occasion as the
foregoing. It sets forth the privileges and blessings of God's
spiritual dominion as the terror of the wicked and joy of the
righteous.

**1. to be praised**—always: it is
an epithet, as in [Psalms 18:3](../../../kjv/psalms/18/3).
**mountain of his holiness**—His
Church (compare [Isaiah 2:2](../../../kjv/isaiah/2/2); [Isaiah 2:3](../../../kjv/isaiah/2/3);
[Isaiah 25:6](../../../kjv/isaiah/25/6); [Isaiah 25:7](../../../kjv/isaiah/25/7);
[Isaiah 25:10](../../../kjv/isaiah/25/10)); the sanctuary was
erected first on Mount Zion, then (as the temple) on Moriah; hence
the figure.

**2, 3. situation**—literally,
"elevation."
**joy of,** &c.—source
of joy.
**sides of the north**—poetically
for eminent, lofty, distinguished, as the ancients believed the *north*
to be the highest part of the earth (compare ).

**3. palaces**—literally,
"citadels."
**refuge**— ([Psalms 9:10](../../../kjv/psalms/9/10);
[Psalms 18:3](../../../kjv/psalms/18/3)). He was so known in
them because they enjoyed His presence.

**4-6. For**—The reason is given.
Though the kings (perhaps of Moab and Ammon, compare ) combined, a conviction of God's presence with His people,
evinced by the unusual courage with which the prophets (compare ) had inspired them, seized on their minds, and smitten
with sudden and intense alarm, they fled astonished.

**7. ships of Tarshish**—as
engaged in a distant and lucrative trade, the most valuable. The
phrase may illustrate God's control over all material agencies,
whether their literal destruction be meant or not.

**8.** This present experience
assures of that perpetual care which God extends to His Church.

**9. thought of**—literally,
"compared," or considered, in respect of former dealings.
**in the . . . temple**—in
acts of solemn worship (compare ).

**10. According . . . praise**—that
is, As Thy perfections manifested (compare [Psalms 8:1](../../../kjv/psalms/8/1);
[Psalms 20:1-7](../../../kjv/psalms/20/1-7)), demand praise,
it shall be given, everywhere.
**thy right hand,** &c.—Thy
righteous government is displayed by Thy power.

**11. the daughters,** &c.—*the
small towns,* or the people, with the chief city, or rulers of the
Church.
**judgments**—decisions and
acts of right government.

**12-14.** The call to survey Zion,
or the Church, as a fortified city, is designed to suggest "how
well our God secures His fold." This security is perpetual, and
its pledge is His guidance through this life.

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