TRV
Translation
King James Version
Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
Complete Jewish Bible
Note its ramparts, pass through its citadels, so that you can tell generations to come
Berean Standard Bible
consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation.
American Standard Version
Mark ye well her bulwarks; Consider her palaces: That ye may tell it to the generation following.
World English Bible Messianic
Mark well her bulwarks. Consider her palaces, that you may tell it to the next generation.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Marke well the wall thereof: beholde her towres, that ye may tell your posteritie.
Young's Literal Translation
Set your heart to her bulwark, Consider her high places, So that ye recount to a later generation,
In the KJVVerse 14,648 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 48 verses 8–14
8 ¶ 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. Selah.
9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
We have here the good use and improvement which the people of God are taught to make of his late glorious and gracious appearances for them against their enemies, that they might work for their good.
I. Let our faith in the word of God be hereby confirmed. If we compare what God has done with what he has spoken, we shall find that, as we have heard, so have we seen (Psa 48:8), and what we have seen obliges us to believe what we have heard. 1. "As we have heard done in former providences, in the days of old, so have we seen done in our own days." Note, God's latter appearances for his people against his and their enemies are consonant to his former appearances, and should put us in mind of them. 2. "As we have heard in the promise and prediction, so have we seen in the performance and accomplishment. We have heard that God is the Lord of hosts, and that Jerusalem is the city of our God, is dear to him, is his particular care; and now we have seen it; we have seen the power of our God; we have seen his goodness; we have seen his care and concern for us, that he is a wall of fire round about Jerusalem and the glory in the midst of her." Note, In the great things that God has done, and is doing, for his church, it is good to take notice of the fulfilling of the scriptures; and this would help us the better to understand both the providence itself and the scripture that is fulfilled in it.
II. Let our hope of the stability and perpetuity of the church be hereby encouraged. "From what we have seen, compared with what we have heard, in the city of our God, we may conclude that God will establish it for ever." This was not fulfilled in Jerusalem (that city was long since destroyed, and all its glory laid in the dust), but has its accomplishment in the gospel church. We are sure that that shall be established for ever; it is built upon a rock, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it, Mat 16:18. God himself has undertaken the establishment of it; it is the Lord that has founded Zion, Isa 14:32. And what we have seen, compared with what we have heard, may encourage us to hope in that promise of God upon which the church is built.
III. Let our minds be hereby filled with good thoughts of God. "From what we have heard, and seen, and hope for, we may take occasion to think much of God's loving-kindness, whenever we meet in the midst of his temple," Psa 48:9. All the streams of mercy that flow down to us must be traced up to the fountain of God's lovingkindness. It is not owing to any merit of ours, but purely to his mercy, and the peculiar favour he bears to his people. This therefore we must think of with delight, think of frequently and fixedly. What subject can we dwell upon more noble, more pleasant, more profitable? We must have God's lovingkindness always before our eyes (Psa 26:3), especially when we attend upon him in his temple. When we enjoy the benefit of public ordinances undisturbed, when we meet in his temple and there is none to make us afraid, we should take occasion thence to think of his lovingkindness.
IV. Let us give to God the glory of the great things which he has done for us, and mention them to his honour (Psa 48:10): "According to thy name, O God! so is thy praise, not only in Jerusalem, but to the ends of the earth." By the late signal deliverance of Jerusalem God had made himself a name; that is, he had gloriously discovered his wisdom, power, and goodness, and made all the nations about sensible of it; and so was his praise; that is, some in all parts would be found giving glory to him accordingly. As far as his name goes his praise will go, at least it should go, and, at length, it shall go, when all the ends of the world shall praise him, Psa 22:27; Rev 11:15. Some, by his name, understand especially that glorious name of his, the Lord of hosts; according to that name, so is his praise; for all the creatures, even to the ends of the earth, are under his command. But his people must, in a special manner, acknowledge his justice in all he does for them. "Righteousness fills thy right hand;" that is, all the operations of thy power are consonant to the eternal rules of equity.
V. Let all the members of the church in particular take to themselves the comfort of what God does for his church in general (Psa 48:11): "Let Mount Zion rejoice, the priests and Levites that attend the sanctuary, and then let all the daughters of Judah, the country towns, and the inhabitants of them, be glad: let the women in their songs and dances, as usual on occasion of public joys, celebrate with thankfulness the great salvation which God has wrought for us." Note, When we have given God the praise we may then take the pleasure of the extraordinary deliverances of the church, and be glad because of God's judgments (that is, the operations of his providence), all which we may see wrought in wisdom (therefore called judgments) and working for the good of his church.
VI. Let us diligently observe the instances and evidences of the church's beauty, strength, and safety, and faithfully transmit our observations to those that shall come after us (Psa 48:12, Psa 48:13): Walk about Zion. Some think this refers to the ceremony of the triumph; let those who are employed in that solemnity walk round the walls (as they did, Neh 12:31), singing and praising God. In doing this let them tell the towers and mark well the bulwarks, 1. That they might magnify the late wonderful deliverance God had wrought for them. Let them observe, with wonder, that the towers and bulwarks are all in their full strength and none of them damaged, the palaces in their beauty and none of them blemished; there is not the least damage done to the city by the kings that were assembled against it (Psa 48:4): Tell this to the generation following, as a wonderful instance of God's care of his holy city, that the enemies should not only not ruin or destroy it, but not so much as hurt or deface it. 2. That they might fortify themselves against the fear of the like threatening danger another time. And so, (1.) We may understand it literally of Jerusalem, and the strong-hold of Zion. Let the daughters of Judah see the towers and bulwarks of Zion, with a pleasure equal to the terror with which the kings their enemies saw them, Psa 48:5. Jerusalem was generally looked upon as an impregnable place, as appears, Lam 4:12. All the inhabitants of the world would not have believed that an enemy should enter the gates of Jerusalem; nor could they have entered if the inhabitants had not sinned away their defence. Set your heart to her bulwarks. This intimates that the principal bulwarks of Zion were not the objects of sense, which they might set their eye upon, but the objects of faith, which they must set their hearts upon. It was well enough fortified indeed both by nature and art; but its bulwarks that were mostly to be relied upon were the special presence of God in it, the beauty of holiness he had put upon it, and the promises he had made concerning it. "Consider Jerusalem's strength, and tell it to the generations to come, that they may do nothing to weaken it, and that, if at any time it be in distress, they may not basely surrender it to the enemy as not tenable." Calvin observes here that when they are directed to transmit to posterity a particular account of the towers, and bulwarks, and palaces of Jerusalem, it is intimated that in process of time they would all be destroyed and remain no longer to be seen; for, otherwise, what need was thee to preserve the description and history of them? When the disciples were admiring the buildings of the temple their Master told them that in a little time one stone of it should not be left upon another, Mat 24:1, Mat 24:2. Therefore, (2.) This must certainly be applied to the gospel church, that Mount Zion, Heb 12:22. "Consider the towers, and bulwarks, and palaces of that, that you may be invited and encouraged to join yourselves to it and embark in it. See it founded on Christ, the rock fortified by the divine power, guarded by him that neither slumbers nor sleeps. See what precious ordinances are its palaces, what precious promises are its bulwarks; tell this to the generation following, that they may with purpose of heart espouse its interests and cleave to it."
VII. Let us triumph in God, and in the assurances we have of his everlasting lovingkindness, Psa 48:14. Tell this to the generation following; transmit this truth as a sacred deposit to your posterity, That this God, who has now done such great things for us, is our God for ever and ever; he is constant and unchangeable in his love to us and care for us. 1. If God be our God, he is ours for ever, not only through all the ages of time, but to eternity; for it is the everlasting blessedness of glorified saints that God himself will be with them and will be their God, Rev 21:3. 2. If he be our God, he will be our guide, our faithful constant guide, to show us our way and to lead us in it; he will be so, even unto death, which will be the period of our way, and will bring us to our rest. He will lead and keep us even to the last. He will be our guide above death (so some); he will so guide us as to set us above the reach of death, so that it shall not be able to do us any real hurt. He will be our guide beyond death (so others); he will conduct us safely to a happiness on the other side death, to a life in which there shall be no more death. If we take the Lord for our God, he will conduct and convey us safely to death, through death, and beyond death - down to death and up again to glory.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–14. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 48:3
The psalmist exhorts the people, “Behold this city.” … Understand something from … its structure, its beauty, its fame, so as to learn from this God’s power, how he made the lost city more mighty, and recount to your progeny God’s power and the enduring course of his providence; his care of us, his leadership and shepherding last forever. Stories of this to those who come after will, in fact, prove an occasion for great advance in wisdom, a basis for more precise knowledge of God and a study of virtue.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 48
Tell what? "For this is God, even our God" [Psalm 48:13]. The earth was seen, the earth's Creator was not seen; the flesh was held, God in the flesh was not acknowledged. For the flesh was held by those from whom had been taken the same flesh, for of the seed of Abraham was the Virgin Mary. At the flesh they stayed, the Divinity they did not understand. O Apostles, O mighty city, preach thou on the towers, and say, "This is God, even our God." So, even so as He was despised, as He lay a stone before the feet of the stumbling, that He might humble the hearts of the confessing; even so, "This is God, even our God." Certainly He was seen, as was said, "Afterward did He show Himself upon earth, and conversed with men." [Baruch 3:37] "This is God, even our God." He is also Man, and who is there will know Him? "This is God, even our God." But haply for a time as the false gods. For because they can be called gods, but cannot be so, for a time they are even called so. For what says the Prophet, or what warns He to be said to them? This shall you say to them, "The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from those that are under the heavens." [Jeremiah 10:11] He is not such a god: for our God is above all gods. Above all what gods? "For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens." The same then is our God. "This is God, even our God." For how long? "For ever and ever: He shall rule us for ever." If He is our God, He is also our King. He protects us, being our God, lest we die; He rules us, being our King, lest we fall. But by ruling us He does not break us; for whom He rules not, He breaks. "You shall rule them," says He, "with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." But there are whom He rules not; these He spares not, as a potter's vessel dashing them in pieces. By Him then let us wish to be ruled and delivered, "for He is our God for ever and ever, and He shall rule us for ever."
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 48:7
Each generation has to pass on to the next what we have received from the former so that the saving message may pass to all generations, and all people know that he is our God and Lord, good shepherd, everlasting. Since he said, “take its buildings one by one,” and entrusted to them the task of shepherding, of necessity he taught that there is one good shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep, shepherding forever, and shepherding not only the sheep but also those called pastors of the sheep.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 48:13 issues a direct command to the people of God: meticulously observe and contemplate the formidable defenses and magnificent structures of Jerusalem, the holy city. This careful examination of its strength and beauty serves a profound theological purpose, enabling them to faithfully recount God's powerful protection and enduring presence to future generations. The verse underscores the vital importance of remembering, preserving, and transmitting the testimony of God's unwavering faithfulness, as evidenced in His safeguarding of His chosen dwelling place, ensuring that His mighty deeds are perpetually proclaimed and never forgotten.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 48:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The predominant device is the Imperative Mood, seen in the direct commands "Mark ye well," "consider," and "tell." These commands are not suggestions but urgent calls to action, emphasizing the critical importance and sacred duty of observing and transmitting God's works. Parallelism is evident in the pairing of "bulwarks" and "palaces," which, while distinct in their specific architectural reference, function complementarily to describe the comprehensive strength, beauty, and divine protection of Jerusalem. This creates a fuller, more robust image of the city's impregnable nature. Symbolism is also central, as the physical "bulwarks" and "palaces" transcend their literal meaning to symbolize God's impenetrable protection, majestic presence, and the enduring security He provides for His people. Finally, the verse is deeply Didactic in its explicit statement of purpose: "that ye may tell [it] to the generation following." This clear instructional intent highlights the psalm's role in fostering intergenerational faith and ensuring the continuity of God's story within the community of believers.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 48:13 transcends a mere architectural appreciation of ancient Jerusalem, serving as a profound theological statement about God's enduring faithfulness and the imperative of spiritual heritage. The physical security of Zion, evidenced by its formidable bulwarks and magnificent palaces, stands as a tangible testament to the invisible, yet ever-present, protective hand of God. This verse reminds us that God's character is revealed not only in His grand acts of salvation but also in His steadfast preservation of His people and their dwelling place. For believers today, while the earthly Jerusalem holds historical significance, the spiritual reality points to the Church as the new "Zion" – the city of God, built upon the foundation of Christ, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. The command to "mark well" and "consider" becomes a call to diligently observe God's works in our own lives, in the history of the Church, and in the world, recognizing His consistent provision, protection, and faithfulness. This observation is not for private contemplation but for public declaration, fulfilling the timeless biblical mandate to pass on the truth of God's character and deeds to those who come after us, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues through discipleship and evangelism.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 48:13 offers a timeless challenge for contemporary believers: to become attentive observers of God's faithfulness and diligent transmitters of His truth. In a world that often dismisses or forgets the past, this verse calls us to deliberately "mark well" and "consider" the evidences of God's goodness, power, and protection in our lives, in our communities, and throughout redemptive history. This isn't about blind faith, but about a faith informed by careful observation of God's consistent character and mighty works. Just as the Israelites were to survey Jerusalem's defenses as a testament to God's guardianship, we are to reflect on how God has been our bulwark and palace—our refuge, strength, and source of beauty—in times of trial and triumph. This deep personal conviction then fuels the second, equally vital command: to "tell it to the generation following." Our faith is not meant to terminate with us; it is a sacred trust to be passed on. This involves sharing our personal testimonies, teaching sound doctrine, modeling Christ-like living, and actively discipling those who come after us, ensuring that the story of God's unwavering love and power continues to resonate through the ages, building a legacy of faith that transcends generations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is this verse only about the physical city of Jerusalem, or does it have a broader meaning for believers today?
Answer: While Psalms 48:13 directly refers to the physical city of Jerusalem and its defenses, its meaning extends far beyond its literal context for believers today. Theologically, Jerusalem, or Zion, serves as a powerful symbol of God's dwelling place, His people, and His protective presence. For Christians, the "city of God" is ultimately fulfilled in the Church, the spiritual body of Christ, and ultimately in the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city. Therefore, the command to "mark well her bulwarks" encourages us to observe and appreciate the spiritual security and majesty of God's kingdom and His Church, which is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. The "telling to the generation following" then becomes a timeless mandate for discipleship and evangelism, ensuring that the good news of God's faithfulness and salvation in Christ is passed down through the ages.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 48:13, with its focus on the impregnable security of Zion and the mandate to transmit this truth, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His Church. While ancient Jerusalem stood as a testament to God's protective presence, it was but a shadow of the true, eternal city of God. Christ Himself is the ultimate "bulwark" and "palace" for His people, the rock upon which His Church is built, against which the very gates of Hades will not prevail. The security once symbolized by physical walls is now found in the spiritual reality of being "in Christ," where believers are citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built into a holy temple in the Lord. The command to "mark well" and "consider" Jerusalem's strength transforms into an invitation to behold the glory, power, and faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus—His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection. This divine narrative, far surpassing any earthly defense, is the ultimate story to be "told to the generation following." The Great Commission, to go and make disciples of all nations, is the New Testament embodiment of this ancient mandate, ensuring that the testimony of God's saving work in Christ is proclaimed to every generation until He returns, establishing the new Jerusalem where God will dwell with His people forever, a city whose builder and maker is God Himself.