Psalms 48.
The ornaments and privileges of the church.
A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.
Title. קרח לבני מזמור שׁיר Shiir mizmor libnei korach.— This is a triumphant hymn, the author of which is not known, nor the particular time when it was composed. It appears from the contents of it, that it was made upon some providential deliverance which God had given to the city of Jerusalem, when it was violently attacked, or threatened at least, by some very powerful and confederate enemies. Mudge thinks that it refers to the ineffectual attempt of Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, king of Israel: Isa 7:1 and that the prophesy of Isaiah, in that and the succeeding chapter, confirms this idea. See also the 4th, 5th, and 6th verses. But an anonymous writer well observes, that mount Sion is the main subject of the poem, which was not much regarded after the ark had been some time removed from thence; whereas, at the time this psalm was made, it was evidently in its highest reputation; whence it is probable, that the psalm is as old as David's time. The LXX, Vulgate, and Arabic, subjoin the words, "on one of their sabbaths," or "on the second sabbath," to the title: by which they would insinuate, that the use of this psalm was to be appropriated to the sabbath: for indeed some of the psalms were peculiar to the service on week-days, and others set apart for the public solemnities, and the sabbath, on which only they were to be used.

Psalms 48:2. Beautiful for situation, &c.— The expression of mount Sion's being the joy of the whole earth, seems to allude to the promise made to the patriarch, that in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed. And the law, the Christian law, may be said literally to have gone out from mount Zion into all lands. On the sides of the north, or north side [lies] the city of the great king, means the city of Jerusalem. It may be asked, why this circumstance is mentioned as an encomium upon the hill of Sion, that Jerusalem lay on the north of it: The answer is, that it is mentioned as a proof of its greater security; for the hill of Sion was almost inaccessible on any other side, than towards the north; and here it was defended by Jerusalem, which was exceedingly strong: But though the psalmist mentions this as a material circumstance, he shews that it was not in the strength of it that he confided, but in the presence and protection of God; God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

Psalms 48:7. Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish, &c.— Or, like the east wind, which in a moment dasheth in pieces the ships of Tarshish. Green. I have added, says he, in a moment, because the east wind in those parts is remarkably violent, (comp. Job 27:21.Jeremiah 18:17; Jeremiah 18:17. Isaiah 27:8. Habakkuk 1:9.) and because it more easily conveys to the reader in what point of comparison it lies; namely, in the suddenness of the king's being seized with trembling and fear.

Psalms 48:9. We have thought of thy loving-kindness— We were waiting for thy loving-kindness. Green.

Psalms 48:10. Thy right hand, &c.— Righteousness consecrates thee.