Sons of Korah
Psalm 48
A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.
Scripture (KJV)
1Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
2Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
3God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
4For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
5They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
6Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
7Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
8As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.
9We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
10According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
11Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
12Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
13Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
14For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Summary
Psalm 48 is a Zion hymn celebrating the city of the great King. The sons of Korah declare that the LORD is great and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. Mount Zion is beautiful, the joy of the whole earth, and God is known in her palaces as a refuge. When kings assembled and passed by, they saw Zion, marveled, trembled, and fled in panic like a woman in travail. God breaks the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. The psalm calls the worshiper to walk about Zion, count her towers, and consider her palaces, so that the next generation may be told. The closing verse is personal: "For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death."
The major themes are God’s greatness, Zion, refuge, generations, and guidance. Practically, the psalm teaches that the security of God’s city is meant to be told to the next generation. The great lesson is that the God of Zion is our God forever and our guide even unto death.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 48
Great are You, LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. Mount Zion is beautiful, the joy of the whole earth, the city of the great King. You are known in her palaces as a refuge. When kings assemble and pass by, they see and marvel and flee in terror. You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts: You will establish it forever. Let me think of Your lovingkindness in the midst of Your temple. Let Mount Zion rejoice and the daughters of Judah be glad. Help me walk about Zion and tell her towers, that I may tell the next generation. This God is my God forever and ever; He will be my guide even unto death. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What does it mean that Zion is "the joy of the whole earth"?
- 2How can I tell the next generation what I have seen of God’s faithfulness?
- 3Where do I need God to be my refuge as He was for Zion?
- 4How does the closing verse, "he will be our guide even unto death," comfort me?
Related Psalms
Psalm 46
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
God our refuge amid chaos; be still and know that He is God.
Read morePsalm 47
“O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
God ascends His throne as King over all the earth.
Read morePsalm 76
“In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.”
A hymn to God’s majesty who establishes peace in Zion.
Read morePsalm 84
“How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!”
A pilgrim’s longing for God’s courts; one day there is better than a thousand.
Read morePsalm 122
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 122 is a Song of Ascents attributed to David, expressing the joy of pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
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