Psa 48:13 | KingComments | STEP | are a thanksgiving to the covenant faithfulness of God, revealed in righteousness ( ) and in judgment ( ). While before, in , God is spoken of , God is now spoken to . After describing God’s protection, the Korahites talk about what they do and where they do it ( ). They address God in admiration, Whom they address with “O God”, in which we note a heartfelt expression of fellowship with Him. They say to Him that they think of His lovingkindness, that is, His covenant faithfulness, and do so “in the midst of Your temple”. This is the most beautiful and intimate place for them, the closest to God. There they think of all that He has done for them with the result that they may now be here, so close to Him. He has “made His wonders to be remembered” ( ). This also applies to the church. We may come together as a church and then know that the Lord Jesus is in the midst ( ). There is nothing more beautiful and intimate than to be in the place where He is in the midst. There we may think of Him, which we do especially when we proclaim His death “in remembrance” of Him. This is according to the desire of His heart. In doing so, we also think of His covenant faithfulness, as the Lord Jesus says of the cup: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood“ ( ). Therefore, the desire of everyone who loves Him also goes out to be there and to do that (cf. ). When we come to know the spiritual riches of the Name of God, we will be impressed with its glory ( ). As we have personally come to know Him in His care, protection and deliverance both for us and for His people, we will praise Him and do so “to the ends of the earth”. As far as Israel is concerned, it goes beyond the borders of the land (that is also how the text can be translated). It means that the Name of the LORD is great, not only in Israel, but throughout the world. For us, it means that we will keep nothing of it for ourselves or make His glory known only in a small circle. His “right hand is full of righteousness”, which means that He has done great and glorious deeds. In this case, we are talking about deeds that flow from the covenant, deeds that are in accordance with the terms and contents of the covenant. Every act of His is an act of righteousness. He can only act in righteousness. Whoever sees that, can only boast in it. Never will there be any criticism of it. On the contrary, it gives constant and ever more reason to honor Him for it. The effect of these acts of righteousness is joy ( ). “Mount Zion” is called upon to “be glad”. God has taken care of her and has done so in a righteous way. The result is a joy that does not fade away, but is permanent. It is also a joy shared by all who are connected with God’s people. God has brought about that joy. In “the daughters of Judah” we can see the cities of Judah. Not only are the inhabitants of Jerusalem rejoicing, but the inhabitants of all Judah. They all share in the revelry of deliverance “because of Your judgments”, which are the judgments of God on the enemies. In accordance with the covenant, the judgments involve Israel receiving deliverance and the enemies being judged. Because of their conformity to the covenant, these judgments give joy to the hearts of the people, which normally is not the case with judgment. Deliverance provides the opportunity to go out of Zion and see the city from the outside. The remnant is invited to walk around Zion ( ; cf. ). Then they will find that the city is perfectly safe. There are no more breaches in the wall, the towers are strong and the gates fortified and secure. They must count the towers and will find that they are all still there. The towers serve to strengthen the city while enhancing its beauty. But the ultimate strength, safety and beauty is God Himself. For New Testament believers, the key is to count the parts of the spiritual armor to see if all seven parts are still there or if something might be missing ( ). They must “consider her rampart” ( ). The rampart is a defense work in front of the wall. It is still fully intact and has not suffered a scratch (cf. ). Looking at Zion and especially noticing how God has protected the city is a matter of the heart. It involves noticing what God has done in favor of the city. The same goes for “her palaces”, which are the royal residences. Usually they are fortified and protected. Let them examine them closely. Then they will notice that everything is there and that they can serve permanently as the residence of the prince. It is all thanks to God’s protection. The last line of tells the reason for walking around Zion, counting its towers and considering its ramparts and palaces: they are to “tell the next generation” what they have examined. In doing so, it is not primarily about Zion, but about the God of Zion. God Himself is the beauty and power of the city. What has happened to Zion, the protection the city has experienced, is due to God. The word “for” ( ) indicates this. We can apply the call of to the church. It is a great privilege to know we belong to the church of the living God. But there is a danger that through habit we no longer see the special privilege. Then we have to leave the place of worshiping God, as it were, for a while in order to turn our hearts to the city. We do this by delving into the Word of God to find out what the church means to God’s heart. We must set our hearts on it and look closely at it (cf. ). When we examine in God’s Word what the church is, we also have something to tell “to the next generation” (cf. ). We will do so with enthusiasm and will encourage the children to do that considering or examination as well. Thus, each generation can become a first generation itself. It comes down to whether we can answer our children’s questions when they ask us why we do things the way we do them (cf. ; ; ). They do notice whether we give only a rational, theologically correct answer, or whether our answer comes from a heart that has examined and embraced these things. If we do not have an answer, it is quite possible that we ourselves are bystanders. The children will not get excited or examine the Scriptures themselves. They will look for a church where they feel comfortable if they look for a church at all. We should not be bystanders, but know what the church is by going “around the city” in Scripture ourselves and thus become impressed with the dwelling place of God. The city here is that which is seen outwardly from God’s government as King. We may certainly pass on what we have seen of the beauty and inviolability of the city. However, what it is mainly about is that we pass on what we have seen of the God of the city in His government in the lives of His own, past and present. It is about being able to say with admiration and enthusiasm: “Our God is forever and ever” ( ). This God, our God, has caused all the attacks on the city to fail. His church will respond to His purpose. The psalm concludes by expressing the assurance that God will be the God of His people “forever and ever”. What the Lord Jesus says confirms this: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” ( ). The remnant also knows that He will “guide” them “until death”. This means that the last enemy, death, has not yet been abolished. The remnant is presently still in great distress. But they are greatly encouraged in their spirit by what the Spirit of Christ has shown them about the city of God and God’s dwelling place. With that perspective before them, they can even face death without becoming afraid of it.

‏ Psalms 48:13

The Glory of Zion

Psa 48:9-11 are a thanksgiving to the covenant faithfulness of God, revealed in righteousness (Psa 48:10) and in judgment (Psa 48:11). While before, in Psa 48:1b-8, God is spoken of, God is now spoken to. After describing God’s protection, the Korahites talk about what they do and where they do it (Psa 48:9). They address God in admiration, Whom they address with “O God”, in which we note a heartfelt expression of fellowship with Him.

They say to Him that they think of His lovingkindness, that is, His covenant faithfulness, and do so “in the midst of Your temple”. This is the most beautiful and intimate place for them, the closest to God. There they think of all that He has done for them with the result that they may now be here, so close to Him. He has “made His wonders to be remembered” (Psa 111:4).

This also applies to the church. We may come together as a church and then know that the Lord Jesus is in the midst (Mt 18:20). There is nothing more beautiful and intimate than to be in the place where He is in the midst. There we may think of Him, which we do especially when we proclaim His death “in remembrance” of Him. This is according to the desire of His heart. In doing so, we also think of His covenant faithfulness, as the Lord Jesus says of the cup: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood“ (1Cor 11:23-25). Therefore, the desire of everyone who loves Him also goes out to be there and to do that (cf. Isa 26:8).

When we come to know the spiritual riches of the Name of God, we will be impressed with its glory (Psa 48:10). As we have personally come to know Him in His care, protection and deliverance both for us and for His people, we will praise Him and do so “to the ends of the earth”. As far as Israel is concerned, it goes beyond the borders of the land (that is also how the text can be translated). It means that the Name of the LORD is great, not only in Israel, but throughout the world. For us, it means that we will keep nothing of it for ourselves or make His glory known only in a small circle.

His “right hand is full of righteousness”, which means that He has done great and glorious deeds. In this case, we are talking about deeds that flow from the covenant, deeds that are in accordance with the terms and contents of the covenant. Every act of His is an act of righteousness. He can only act in righteousness. Whoever sees that, can only boast in it. Never will there be any criticism of it. On the contrary, it gives constant and ever more reason to honor Him for it.

The effect of these acts of righteousness is joy (Psa 48:11). “Mount Zion” is called upon to “be glad”. God has taken care of her and has done so in a righteous way. The result is a joy that does not fade away, but is permanent.

It is also a joy shared by all who are connected with God’s people. God has brought about that joy. In “the daughters of Judah” we can see the cities of Judah. Not only are the inhabitants of Jerusalem rejoicing, but the inhabitants of all Judah. They all share in the revelry of deliverance “because of Your judgments”, which are the judgments of God on the enemies. In accordance with the covenant, the judgments involve Israel receiving deliverance and the enemies being judged. Because of their conformity to the covenant, these judgments give joy to the hearts of the people, which normally is not the case with judgment.

Deliverance provides the opportunity to go out of Zion and see the city from the outside. The remnant is invited to walk around Zion (Psa 48:12; cf. Neh 12:31 ; 38 ; 40). Then they will find that the city is perfectly safe. There are no more breaches in the wall, the towers are strong and the gates fortified and secure.

They must count the towers and will find that they are all still there. The towers serve to strengthen the city while enhancing its beauty. But the ultimate strength, safety and beauty is God Himself. For New Testament believers, the key is to count the parts of the spiritual armor to see if all seven parts are still there or if something might be missing (Eph 6:14-18).

They must “consider her rampart” (Psa 48:13). The rampart is a defense work in front of the wall. It is still fully intact and has not suffered a scratch (cf. Isa 26:1). Looking at Zion and especially noticing how God has protected the city is a matter of the heart. It involves noticing what God has done in favor of the city.

The same goes for “her palaces”, which are the royal residences. Usually they are fortified and protected. Let them examine them closely. Then they will notice that everything is there and that they can serve permanently as the residence of the prince. It is all thanks to God’s protection.

The last line of Psa 48:13 tells the reason for walking around Zion, counting its towers and considering its ramparts and palaces: they are to “tell the next generation” what they have examined. In doing so, it is not primarily about Zion, but about the God of Zion. God Himself is the beauty and power of the city. What has happened to Zion, the protection the city has experienced, is due to God. The word “for” (Psa 48:14) indicates this.

We can apply the call of Psa 48:12-13 to the church. It is a great privilege to know we belong to the church of the living God. But there is a danger that through habit we no longer see the special privilege. Then we have to leave the place of worshiping God, as it were, for a while in order to turn our hearts to the city. We do this by delving into the Word of God to find out what the church means to God’s heart.

We must set our hearts on it and look closely at it (cf. Eze 43:10-12). When we examine in God’s Word what the church is, we also have something to tell “to the next generation” (cf. 2Tim 2:2). We will do so with enthusiasm and will encourage the children to do that considering or examination as well. Thus, each generation can become a first generation itself.

It comes down to whether we can answer our children’s questions when they ask us why we do things the way we do them (cf. Exo 12:26-27; Deu 6:21-22; Jos 4:6-7 ; 20-24). They do notice whether we give only a rational, theologically correct answer, or whether our answer comes from a heart that has examined and embraced these things.

If we do not have an answer, it is quite possible that we ourselves are bystanders. The children will not get excited or examine the Scriptures themselves. They will look for a church where they feel comfortable if they look for a church at all. We should not be bystanders, but know what the church is by going “around the city” in Scripture ourselves and thus become impressed with the dwelling place of God.

The city here is that which is seen outwardly from God’s government as King. We may certainly pass on what we have seen of the beauty and inviolability of the city. However, what it is mainly about is that we pass on what we have seen of the God of the city in His government in the lives of His own, past and present.

It is about being able to say with admiration and enthusiasm: “Our God is forever and ever” (Psa 48:14). This God, our God, has caused all the attacks on the city to fail. His church will respond to His purpose.

The psalm concludes by expressing the assurance that God will be the God of His people “forever and ever”. What the Lord Jesus says confirms this: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).

The remnant also knows that He will “guide” them “until death”. This means that the last enemy, death, has not yet been abolished. The remnant is presently still in great distress. But they are greatly encouraged in their spirit by what the Spirit of Christ has shown them about the city of God and God’s dwelling place. With that perspective before them, they can even face death without becoming afraid of it.