Psalms 48:11

KJV

Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let mount {H2022} Zion {H6726} rejoice {H8055}{H8799)}, let the daughters {H1323} of Judah {H3063} be glad {H1523}{H8799)}, because of thy judgments {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let Mount Tziyon rejoice, let the daughters of Y'hudah be glad, because of your judgment [on the enemy].

Berean Standard Bible

Mount Zion is glad, the daughters of Judah rejoice, on account of Your judgments.

American Standard Version

Let mount Zion be glad, Let the daughters of Judah rejoice, Because of thy judgments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 48:11 issues a fervent summons for communal jubilation, calling Mount Zion and the inhabitants of Judah to experience profound gladness. This exultation is not arbitrary but is rooted deeply in the righteous and redemptive acts of God, referred to as His "judgments." The verse encapsulates a vital theological truth: the people of God find their deepest joy, security, and vindication not in their own strength or circumstances, but in the unwavering justice, sovereign rule, and providential care of the Almighty, which consistently works for their ultimate good and well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 48 is a majestic hymn of praise, a "Song of Zion," celebrating the incomparable greatness of God and His protective presence in Jerusalem. The psalm commences by declaring the Lord's supreme majesty and His chosen dwelling in Zion, "the city of our God," as highlighted in [Psalm 48:1](/psalms/48-1 "Psalm 48:1 - God's Greatness in Zion"). The immediate narrative preceding verse 11 provides a vivid account of divine intervention: [verses 4-7](/psalms/48-4-7 "Psalm 48:4-7 - Kings Gathered Against Zion") dramatically depict a coalition of kings attempting to assault Jerusalem, only to be struck with terror and flee upon witnessing the city's divine defense. This miraculous deliverance, a clear manifestation of God's "judgments" or righteous governance, forms the direct impetus for the joyous exhortation in verse 11. The psalm then transitions to a call for reflection on God's steadfast love and an invitation to walk around Zion, marveling at its strength, a testament to God's enduring protection and faithfulness ([Psalm 48:9-14](/psalms/48-9-14 "Psalm 48:9-14 - Reflecting on God's Steadfast Love")). Thus, verse 11 stands as a Spirit-inspired, communal response to God's powerfully demonstrated faithfulness and sovereign power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, often synonymous with Mount Zion, held unparalleled significance in ancient Israel as the chosen dwelling place of God's presence, particularly following the construction of the Temple. It was widely believed to be inviolable due to God's covenant promises to David. The "daughters of Judah" represent the entire female populace, and by extension, the collective community of Judah, symbolizing the whole body of God's people. In the ancient Near East, cities were frequently personified, and their inhabitants, especially women, played a prominent role in public expressions of joy, lament, and praise through song and dance. The term "judgments" (Hebrew: *mishpatim*) in this context does not primarily denote punitive legal decrees but rather God's righteous acts of intervention, vindication, and governance that uphold justice and deliver His people from their adversaries. Historically, Jerusalem faced numerous existential threats from surrounding empires, making divine protection a constant hope and a profound cause for celebration when experienced. While the psalm may reflect a specific historical deliverance, its message transcends that particular event, pointing to God's consistent character as the righteous defender of His people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several profound theological themes within Psalm 48 and the broader Psalter. Paramount among these is the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**; the profound rejoicing stems directly from God's active, righteous intervention on behalf of His people. His "judgments" are the divine actions that ensure the security and well-being of His covenant community, prompting their gladness, as seen in other psalms celebrating God's righteous rule, such as [Psalm 97:8](/psalms/97-8 "Psalm 97:8 - Zion Hears and Rejoices"). Closely intertwined is the **Joy in God's Sovereignty**, where the people find deep assurance and delight in the understanding that God is actively ruling, and His rule is perfectly just and ultimately beneficial for His own. The **Significance of Zion** is also a central theme, portraying Mount Zion as the spiritual and geographical epicenter where God's presence dwells and where His justice is visibly manifested. The call to rejoice is specifically tied to this holy place and its inhabitants, underscoring that God's covenant faithfulness is powerfully demonstrated in His protection of His chosen city. Finally, the verse powerfully underscores **Communal Celebration**, highlighting that God's acts of justice are a cause for widespread, collective rejoicing among His people, fostering unity and shared gratitude for His deliverance and ongoing care, a theme richly echoed throughout the songs of ascent, such as [Psalm 122](/psalms/122 "Psalm 122 - A Song of Ascents, A Prayer for Jerusalem's Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zion (Hebrew, _Tsîyôwn'_):** Derived from a word implying a permanent capital, Zion (H6726) is more than a mere geographical location; it is the spiritual and political heart of Israel, representing Jerusalem, the city of David, and preeminently, the chosen dwelling place of God's presence. It is the locus where God's covenant promises are manifest, and where His people find refuge and security under His sovereign rule. The imperative for Zion to "rejoice" is a powerful personification, inviting the very essence of God's holy city and its inhabitants to express profound, unbridled gladness.
* **rejoice / be glad (Hebrew, _sâmach'_ / _gîyl'_):** These two distinct Hebrew verbs are frequently paired to convey an intense, holistic expression of joy and exultation. _Sâmach_ (H8055), meaning "to brighten up" or "be blithe/gleesome," suggests an inner state of happiness that radiates outward. _Gîyl_ (H1523), meaning "to spin round" or "exult," implies a more physical, demonstrative expression of delight, often associated with dancing or leaping. Their combined use emphasizes the depth, breadth, and communal nature of the commanded gladness, signifying a complete and joyful response of both heart and body to God's actions.
* **judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This is a pivotal term (H4941). While _mishpâṭ_ can indeed refer to legal verdicts, sentences, or punishments, in this context, it carries a broader, predominantly positive connotation. It signifies God's righteous acts of governance, His just decrees, His faithful upholding of His covenant promises, and His active demonstration of His righteousness that consistently benefits His people. These are the divine interventions that bring about vindication, deliverance, and security for His community, transforming potential fear of divine decree into a profound cause for rejoicing. It speaks to God's perfect, active administration of justice in the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let mount Zion rejoice":** This clause issues a direct imperative, a command or strong exhortation, for Mount Zion—the symbolic and literal center of God's presence and people—to express deep joy. It personifies the city itself, inviting the spiritual and physical heart of God's covenant community to erupt in celebration, underscoring its integral role as an active participant in God's redemptive narrative and the appropriate human response to His divine acts.
* **"let the daughters of Judah be glad":** This phrase expands the call to rejoice, extending it to the entire community of Judah. The "daughters" often specifically refer to the female inhabitants, who in ancient cultures were prominent in public expressions of joy, lament, and praise through song and dance. This emphasizes the collective, widespread, and inclusive nature of the celebration, indicating that God's acts of justice are a cause for universal gladness and a unified response among His people.
* **"because of thy judgments":** This crucial explanatory clause provides the profound theological foundation for the commanded rejoicing. The gladness is not arbitrary or based on fleeting human circumstances, but is firmly rooted in God's "judgments"—His righteous, just, and redemptive acts of intervention on behalf of His people. These are the divine actions that ensure their security, bring about their vindication, and guarantee their well-being, thereby demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness, sovereign power, and perfect administration of justice.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 48:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of communal joy and divine vindication. **Personification** is strikingly evident in the command "Let mount Zion rejoice," which attributes human emotion and action to the inanimate city, thereby emphasizing its integral role in God's redemptive history and the collective, unified response of its inhabitants. **Parallelism** is skillfully utilized through the synonymous construction "Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad." Here, the two clauses express a similar core idea—communal celebration—using different but complementary subjects (the city and its people) and verbs (rejoice and be glad). This reinforces the message, amplifies its impact, and creates a rhythmic, memorable flow. Furthermore, the use of the **imperative mood** ("Let... rejoice," "let... be glad") transforms the verse from a mere observation into a direct and forceful exhortation, highlighting the expected and appropriate joyful response to God's righteous governance and demonstrated faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological core of Psalms 48:11 profoundly declares that God's righteous governance and active intervention are the ultimate, unwavering source of His people's joy. It underscores the vital truth that genuine gladness is not found in the absence of trials or the perfection of circumstances, but rather in the steadfast presence and active, just intervention of a sovereign God. The "judgments" of God, in this context, are not solely punitive but encompass His entire administration of justice, including His acts of deliverance, vindication, and faithful upholding of His covenant promises. This perspective transforms any potential fear of divine judgment into profound gratitude and celebration, as God's justice consistently works for the ultimate good, security, and flourishing of His chosen people. It teaches that acknowledging God's active, righteous rule in the world, even when His ways may seem mysterious or challenging to human understanding, is a profound cause for spiritual delight and unwavering trust among those who are His.

* [Psalm 97:8](/psalms/97-8 "Psalm 97:8 - Zion Hears and Rejoices")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 26:9](/isaiah/26-9 "Isaiah 26:9 - When Your Judgments Are in the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 48:11 offers a timeless and profound blueprint for the believer's appropriate response to God's character and His active involvement in the world. In an era often characterized by pervasive injustice, societal chaos, and personal uncertainty, this verse issues a powerful call to anchor our joy not in fleeting circumstances, human efforts, or worldly successes, but in the unwavering, righteous, and sovereign "judgments" of God. It serves as a potent reminder that our gladness is, at its core, a theological statement—a public and private declaration that we implicitly trust God's active rule and perfect administration of justice, even when His ways may seem mysterious or counterintuitive to our limited understanding. This necessitates cultivating a posture of continuous praise and deep gratitude for His divine interventions, recognizing that His justice ultimately brings about deliverance, vindication, and profound blessing for His people. It encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties and to fix our gaze on the God who is actively governing all things, ensuring that His ultimate purposes of righteousness and redemption will prevail, thereby bringing profound peace, security, and unshakeable gladness to all who are truly His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "judgments" or righteous acts of God, whether in your personal life or observed in the broader world, bring you profound cause for rejoicing today?**
* **How does understanding God's "judgments" as comprehensive acts of deliverance, vindication, and righteous governance—rather than solely punitive measures—transform your perspective on His sovereignty and character?**
* **In what tangible ways can your personal and communal joy in God's justice serve as a compelling witness and testimony to those who do not yet know Him or understand His ways?**
* **What practical steps can you take to actively cultivate a heart of deep gladness and unwavering trust in God's sovereign rule, particularly when circumstances around you seem to contradict His justice or challenge your faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "judgments" mean in this context, and why are they a cause for rejoicing?**

Answer: In Psalms 48:11, the Hebrew word for "judgments" (*mishpatim*, H4941) carries a rich and multifaceted meaning that extends beyond mere punitive legal sentences. In this context, it primarily refers to God's righteous acts, His just decrees, His faithful upholding of His covenant promises, and His active administration of justice in the world. This encompasses His divine interventions to deliver, vindicate, and protect His people from their adversaries. For instance, the preceding [verses of Psalm 48](/psalms/48 "Psalm 48 - God's Greatness and Protection of Zion") vividly describe how God miraculously routed a coalition of kings who threatened Jerusalem, demonstrating His overwhelming power and unwavering defense. These acts of divine intervention, which ensure the security, well-being, and vindication of God's people and His holy city, are a profound cause for rejoicing and gladness. They powerfully demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness, His sovereign power, and His benevolent rule on behalf of those who trust in Him, transforming potential fear of divine decree into profound gratitude and celebration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 48:11, with its vibrant call for Mount Zion and the daughters of Judah to rejoice in God's judgments, finds its ultimate, most profound, and expansive fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm celebrates God's past deliverances and His dwelling in the earthly city of Jerusalem, the New Testament profoundly reveals that the true Mount Zion is now a spiritual reality—the heavenly Jerusalem, where believers are gathered in Christ ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem and the New Covenant")). The "judgments" that elicit such joyous celebration are fully and perfectly realized in the comprehensive redemptive work of Christ. His first coming was not primarily a judgment of condemnation but of salvation, where He, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the ultimate judgment for humanity's sin on the cross, thereby demonstrating God's perfect justice and boundless mercy simultaneously ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). Through His atoning sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension, Christ secured the ultimate vindication and eternal deliverance for His people, bringing them into a new and everlasting covenant relationship with God. The joy of Mount Zion now extends to all who are in Christ, for they are citizens of this heavenly city, heirs of God's promises, and recipients of His righteous acts and unending grace. Moreover, His glorious second coming will bring the final, cosmic judgment, where all injustice will be definitively set right, and His redeemed people will fully experience the unblemished joy of His eternal reign, dwelling with Him in the New Jerusalem, where God Himself will be with them ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the ancient call to rejoice in God's judgments becomes a powerful prophetic anticipation of the Christ-centered gladness found in His completed work of salvation and the glorious consummation of His kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 97:8

¶ Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

Revelation 16:5

And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

Revelation 16:7

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:3

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.