Psalms 48 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.48.1-14
This song of Zion (see also Pss 46, 76, 87, 122) explicitly views Jerusalem (Zion) as the city of the Great King where the godly find protection (48:1-3). God rules from Zion in faithfulness, righteousness, and justice, and he inspires his subjects with confidence and joy (48:9-11). They commit themselves to seeing the glory of Zion for themselves so that they can tell the next generation about it (48:8, 12-14).
Ps.48.3
God dwells in Zion to protect it from all enemies (see 46:5).
Ps.48.7
The ships of Tarshish, built for long voyages, represent human accomplishment (see also 2 Chr 9:21; Isa 2:16). Their destruction might be the event mentioned in 1 Kgs 22:48.
Ps.48.9-11
The psalmist joyfully celebrates the Lord’s presence in the midst of the community, reflecting on the faithfulness, righteousness, and justice of God’s rule.
Ps.48.12-13
towers . . . fortified walls . . . citadels: These structures provide a visual tour of Zion’s strength.
Ps.48.14
No one is like God (35:10; 71:19; 86:8; 89:6, 8; 113:5; see Isa 40:18, 25). He is the shepherd King (Ps 95:7) who will guide (see 5:8; 23:2) the sheep of his flock (77:20).