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Psalms 48

Psalms 48 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 48 is a song of praise for God's city and God's care. It celebrates Zion as a place of beauty, safety, and joy because the Lord is present there. The psalm also calls God's people to notice His works and pass them on to the next generation.

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What happens in Psalms 48?

This psalm praises the Lord as great in Zion, the city associated with His rule and protection. It describes the city as beautiful and secure because God is its fortress. When hostile kings gather, they are startled and driven away, showing that human power cannot stand against Him. The psalm then turns to worship, reflecting on God's faithful love, righteous rule, and worldwide fame. It ends by inviting careful attention to Zion's defenses so the next generation can be told that this God is forever the guide of His people, even to death.

Psalm 48 is a song of the sons of Korah and fits among psalms that celebrate God's kingship and care for His people. It continues the praise begun in the previous chapter, focusing on Zion as the place where God's presence and protection are known. The psalm looks both at present deliverance and at the lasting security of God's rule.

Themes to notice

  • God's greatnessThe psalm opens by honoring the Lord as worthy of praise above all else.
  • Security in ZionGod's presence makes the city strong against threats and lasting in hope.
  • Passing on faithGod's people are told to notice His work and teach it to the next generation.

Questions for Psalms 48

  • What does this psalm teach about why God's city is called secure and beautiful?
  • How does the psalm describe the response of earthly kings when they face God's power?
  • Why is it important to tell the next generation what God has done?

Read the full text of Psalms 48 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 48

Broken Bondage

A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

1Great is the LORD,

and greatly to be praised

in the city of our God,

His holy mountain.

2Beautiful in loftiness,

the joy of all the earth,

like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion,

the city of the great King.

3God is in her citadels;

He has shown Himself to be a fortress.

4For behold, the kings assembled;

they all advanced together.

5They saw and were astounded;

they fled in terror.

6Trembling seized them there,

anguish like a woman in labor.

7With a wind from the east

You wrecked the ships of Tarshish.

8As we have heard, so we have seen

in the city of the LORD of Hosts,

in the city of our God:

God will establish her forever.

Selah

9Within Your temple, O God,

we contemplate Your loving devotion.

10Your name, O God, like Your praise,

reaches to the ends of the earth;

Your right hand is full of righteousness.

11Mount Zion is glad,

the daughters of Judah rejoice,

on account of Your judgments.

12March around Zion, encircle her,

count her towers,

13consider her ramparts, tour her citadels,

that you may tell the next generation.

14For this God is our God forever and ever;

He will be our guide even till death.

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