Notes (NET Translation)
While it is not fashionable to connect the psalm historically with the city’s deliverance from Assyria in the time of Hezekiah, this is the kind of event against which we may usefully imagine the psalm, as is the case with Pss. 46 and 47. But the nature of each psalm is to omit concrete reference to such events and to focus on seeing such deliverances in Israel’s history in light of events at the beginning of Israel’s story. The hyperbolic nature of the psalm’s references to an experience of deliverance should not be reckoned to mean it is not referring to a historical deliverance. Psalm 48 thus encourages people who use it to praise Yhwh on the basis of the awareness that Yhwh acts in relation to Jerusalem in succeeding centuries as at the beginning.1
A song, a psalm by the Korahites.
The LXX adds, “On the second day of the week” (i.e., Monday).
1 The LORD is great and certainly worthy of praise in the city of our God, his holy hill.
This is a reference to Jerusalem and Mount Zion.
2 It is lofty and pleasing to look at, a source of joy to the whole earth. Mount Zion resembles the peaks of Zaphon; it is the city of the great king.
Geographically and aesthetically, there is nothing remarkable about Mount Zion. It is neither as high nor as attractive as the mountains around. Neither can one say that there has actually been more joy there than anywhere else on earth, though that might be so. Both descriptions are theological statements. It is the most beautiful height because Yhwh lives there and can be met there. And for the same reason it is a place where joy is more appropriate than is the case anywhere else on earth. Lamentations 2:15 will refer to (almost) these very words, with grievous irony.2
Ugaritic texts use Zaphon to refer to the mythological mountain dwelling of the god Baal. Zaphon was also identified with several earthly locations (e.g. Jebel al-Aqra, located some twenty-five miles northeast of Ras Shamra (ancient Ugarit)). The place name Baal Zaphon (cf. Ex 14:2, 9) probably indicates the site of a Baal temple in Egypt. Zaphon may have become something of a generic term for a sacred mountain. The psalmist is making another theological statement: Yahweh, not Baal, is the real sovereign power in heaven and on earth. The aspiration of all peoples for a place where God’s presence could be experienced were fulfilled in Mount Zion, the true sacred mountain.
3 God is in its fortresses; he reveals himself as its defender.
4 For look, the kings assemble; they advance together.
The description of the hostile forces is reminiscent of the description in Psalm 2 of the kings of the nations uniting against God and his king.
5 As soon as they see, they are shocked; they are terrified, they quickly retreat.
6 Look at them shake uncontrollably, like a woman writhing in childbirth.
This reaction recalls the reaction of Moab in Num 22:2-3.
7 With an east wind you shatter the large ships.
An east wind allowed for the crossing of the Red Sea (Ex 14:21; 15:10). The Hebrew literally speaks of “the ships of Tarshish,” which the NET takes to refer to large ships capable of sailing the Mediterranean Sea. The point of v. 7 is that Yahweh has the ability to destroy powerful enemies.
8 We heard about God’s mighty deeds, now we have seen them, in the city of the LORD, the invincible Warrior, in the city of our God. God makes it permanently secure. (Selah)
9 We reflect on your loyal love, O God, within your temple.
10 The praise you receive as far away as the ends of the earth is worthy of your reputation, O God. You execute justice!
11 Mount Zion rejoices; the towns of Judah are happy, because of your acts of judgment.
12 Walk around Zion! Encircle it! Count its towers!
The language is reminiscent of Israel’s march around Jericho (Josh 6:3, 7, 11).
13 Consider its defenses! Walk through its fortresses, so you can tell the next generation about it!
The city’s defenses point to the strength of the God who kept them intact.
14 For God, our God, is our defender forever! He guides us!
Bibliography
Craigie, Peter C., and Marvin E. Tate. Psalms 1-50. Nashville: Nelson Reference & Electronic, 2004.
Goldingay, John. Psalms: Volume 2: Psalms 42-89. Kindle Edition. Baker Academic, 2007.
Kidner, Derek. Psalms 1-72: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity Press, 1973.
VanGemeren, Willem A. Psalms. Revised Edition. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary 5. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008.
Biblical Scholarship 