PSALM 48: ZION

Psalm 48:

 As 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.

vs.8

"A good example of the Songs of Zion, the psalm describes the glory of the city of Jerusalem which has been delivered by God from her enemies.
 
This psalm, sung with orchestral accompaniment, therefore contrast two different responses to the God of Zion and the Zion of God.

I.       Introduction (48:1-3).

  Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God... vs.1

II.      The Panic-Response of the Provokers of God (48:4-7).

A.  The Chronicling of It (48:4-6);

Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail. vs.6

B.   The Cause of It (48:7).

Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. vs.7

III.     The Praise-Response of the People of God (48:8-14).

A.  Their Celebration (48:8-13);

 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple. vs.9

B.   Their Conclusion (48:14).

For this God is our God for ever and ever: vs.14"

Beautiful for situation,

the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion,

 on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. vs.2

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