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Translation
World English Bible Messianic
For, behold, the kings assembled themselves, they passed by together.
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In the KJVVerse 14,639 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 48 verses 1–7
1 ¶ A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
4 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
5 They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
7 Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
The psalmist is designing to praise Jerusalem and to set forth the grandeur of that city; but he begins with the praises of God and his greatness (Psa 48:1), and ends with the praises of God and his goodness, Psa 48:14. For, whatever is the subject of our praises, God must be both the Alpha and Omega of them. And, particularly, whatever is said to the honour of the church must redound to the honour of the church's God.
What is here said to the honour of Jerusalem is,
I. That the King of heaven owns it: it is the city of our God (Psa 48:1), which he chose out of all the cities of Israel to put his name there. Of Zion he said kinder things than ever he said of place upon earth. This is my rest for ever; here will I dwell, for I have desired it, Psa 132:13, Psa 132:14. It is the city of the great King (Psa 48:2), the King of all the earth, who is pleased to declare himself in a special manner present there. This our Saviour quotes to prove that to swear by Jerusalem is profanely to swear by God himself (Mat 5:35), for it is the city of the great King, who has chosen it for the special residence of his grace, as heaven is of his glory. 1. It is enlightened with the knowledge of God. In Judah God is known, and his name is great, but especially in Jerusalem, the head-quarters of the priests, whose lips were to keep this knowledge. In Jerusalem God is great (Psa 48:1) who in other places was made little of, was made nothing of. Happy the kingdom, the city, the family, the heart, in which God is great, in which he is uppermost, in which he is all. There God is known (Psa 48:3) and where he is known he will be great; none contemn God but those that are ignorant of him. 2. It is devoted to the honour of God. It is therefore called the mountain of his holiness, for holiness to the Lord is written upon it and all the furniture of it, Zac 14:20, Zac 14:21. This is the privilege of the church of Christ, that it is a holy nation, a peculiar people; Jerusalem, the type of it, is called the holy city, bad as it was (Mat 27:53), till that was set up, but never after. 3. It is the place appointed for the solemn service and worship of God; there he is greatly praised, and greatly to be praised, Psa 48:1. Note, The clearer discoveries are made to us of God and his greatness the more it is expected that we should abound in his praises. Those that from all parts of the country brought their offerings to Jerusalem had reason to be thankful that God would not only permit them thus to attend him, but promise to accept them, and meet them with a blessing, and reckon himself praised and honoured by their services. Herein Jerusalem typified the gospel church; for what little tribute of praise God has from this earth arises from that church upon earth, which is therefore his tabernacle among men. 4. It is taken under his special protection (Psa 48:3): He is known for a refuge; that is, he has approved himself such a one, and as such a one he is there applied to by his worshippers. Those that know him will trust in him, and seek to him, Psa 9:10. God was known, not only in the streets, but even in the palaces of Jerusalem, for a refuge; the great men had recourse to God and acquaintance with him. And then religion was likely to flourish in the city when it reigned in the palaces. 5. Upon all these accounts, Jerusalem, and especially Mount Zion, on which the temple was built, were universally beloved and admired - beautiful for situation, and the joy of the whole earth, Psa 48:2. The situation must needs be every way agreeable, when Infinite Wisdom chose it for the place of the sanctuary; and that which made it beautiful was that it was the mountain of holiness, for there is a beauty in holiness. This earth is, by sin, covered with deformity, and therefore justly might that spot of ground which was thus beautified with holiness he called the joy of the whole earth, that is, what the whole earth had reason to rejoice in, that God would thus in very deed dwell with man upon the earth. Mount Zion was on the north side of Jerusalem, and so was a shelter to the city from the cold and bleak winds that blew from that quarter; or, if fair weather was expected out of the north, they were thus directed to look Zion-ward for it.
II. That the kings of the earth were afraid of it. That God was known in their palaces for a refuge they had had a late instance, and a very remarkable one. Whatever it was, 1. They had had but too much occasion to fear their enemies; for the kings were assembled, Psa 48:4. The neighbouring princes were confederate against Jerusalem; their heads and horns, their policies and powers, were combined for its ruin; they were assembled with all their forces; they passed, advanced, and marched on together, not doubting but they should soon make themselves masters of that city which should have been the joy, but was the envy of the whole earth. 2. God made their enemies to fear them. The very sight of Jerusalem struck them into a consternation and gave check to their fury, as the sight of the tents of Jacob frightened Balaam from his purpose to curse Israel (Num 24:2): They saw it and marvelled, and hasted away, Psa 48:5. Not Veni, vidi, vici - I came, I saw, I conquered; but, on the contrary, Veni vidi victus sum - I came, I saw, I was defeated. Not that there was any thing to be seen in Jerusalem that was so very formidable; but the sight of it brought to mind what they had heard concerning the special presence of God in that city and the divine protection it was under, and God impressed such terrors on their minds thereby as made them retire with precipitation. Though they were kings, though they were many in confederacy, yet they knew themselves an unequal match for Omnipotence, and therefore fear came upon them, and pain, Psa 48:6. Note, God can dispirit the stoutest of his church's enemies, and soon put those in pain that live at ease. The fright they were in upon the sight of Jerusalem is here compared to the throes of a woman in travail, which are sharp and grievous, which sometimes come suddenly (Th1 5:3), which cannot be avoided, and which are effects of sin and the curse. The defeat hereby given to their designs upon Jerusalem is compared to the dreadful work made with a fleet of ships by a violent storm, when some are split, others shattered, all dispersed (Psa 48:7): Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind; effects at sea lie thus exposed. The terrors of God are compared to an east wind (Job 27:20, Job 27:21); these shall put them into confusion, and break all their measures. Who knows the power of God's anger?
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 48:2
At this point he is describing a harsh war concerted from every direction and a famous victory. You see, after he said that God comes to [the city’s] aid and gives evidence of great care, he then shows also how he came to its aid. When countless nations made an attack (this he suggests, note, in mentioning the great number of kings), and not simply an attack but concerted and combined, such extraordinary developments occurred that they departed, marveling at the surprising turn of events.… Thus it is clear that instead of the war being conducted in terms of human logic, it was God whose tactics directed the fighting, who not only depressed the enemies’ spirits but also shook their resolve by causing distress in their ranks and prompting an unspeakable fear in them. It was the same as if a great fleet had assembled and an unfavorable wind came on them and smashed the ships, sank the triremes and instilled instant disorder.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 48
"For, lo, the kings of the earth are gathered together" [Psalm 48:4]. Behold now those sides of the North, see how they come, see how they say, "Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord: and He will teach us His way, and we will walk in it." [Isaiah 2:3] "And have come together in one." In what one, but that "corner-stone"? [Ephesians 2:20]
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 48:4 dramatically sets the scene for a formidable confrontation, vividly portraying a coalition of hostile kings assembling with menacing intent against Jerusalem, the holy city of God. Yet, instead of launching their anticipated assault, the verse strikingly depicts them as merely "passing by together," implying a sudden, inexplicable, and inglorious retreat. This concise observation encapsulates the psalmist's witness to profound divine intervention, showcasing God's immediate and overwhelming protection of His dwelling place against seemingly insurmountable earthly opposition, thereby powerfully affirming His supreme sovereignty and the unshakeable security of those who trust in Him.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. There is a strong element of Dramatic Irony, where the audience (and the psalmist) understands God's protective power, while the kings, in their hubris, are oblivious to the divine force they are truly confronting. The initial image of the kings "assembled" builds a palpable sense of impending doom and overwhelming power, only to be immediately undercut by the anticlimactic "they passed by together." This creates an Anticlimax, which serves to highlight the effortless ease with which God frustrates human plans. The simplicity of "passed by together" can also be seen as an Understatement, subtly hinting at the profound supernatural terror that must have gripped them, as elaborated in the subsequent verses. This understated description magnifies the invisible, yet overwhelmingly effective, power of God, who needs no grand display of force to scatter His enemies; a mere "passing by" is enough when He is at work.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 48:4 stands as a powerful testament to God's active sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to protect His people and His dwelling place. It illustrates that no human power, however great or unified, can ultimately thwart the divine will or overcome God's chosen city. The kings' assembly represents the epitome of worldly opposition, yet their sudden and inglorious retreat demonstrates the absolute futility of any force arrayed against the Almighty. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God is the ultimate refuge and strength for His people, rendering all earthly threats insignificant in the face of His omnipotence. It assures believers that their security is not dependent on human might or strategic defenses, but on the unshakeable presence of God Himself, who stands as an unbreachable bulwark against all adversaries.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound source of encouragement and a powerful challenge to our trust. In a world often characterized by threats, conflicts, and overwhelming challenges, the image of kings assembling against God's people can feel remarkably contemporary. Whether these "kings" represent political opposition, cultural pressures, personal struggles, spiritual warfare, or even the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our lives, the psalmist's observation reminds us that God remains sovereign over all. Just as the formidable coalition of kings was rendered powerless and forced to retreat without a single blow, so too can we trust that God is actively at work, defending His own and frustrating the plans of those who oppose His kingdom. This should inspire a deep sense of peace and security, knowing that our ultimate refuge is not in human strength or strategic planning, but in the omnipotent God who stands guard over His people. It calls us to shift our gaze from the magnitude of the threat to the immensity of our Defender, fostering unwavering faith in His protective presence and His unfailing power to deliver.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What historical event is Psalms 48:4 likely referring to?
Answer: While the psalm does not explicitly name the event, many scholars believe it most likely refers to the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army under King Sennacherib during the reign of King Hezekiah, as recounted in 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37. In this account, the vast Assyrian army, which had already conquered many nations, besieged Jerusalem but was supernaturally struck down by an angel of the Lord, forcing Sennacherib to retreat without conquering the city. This event perfectly aligns with the psalm's description of kings assembling but then inexplicably "passing by together" due to divine intervention.
What is the significance of the kings "passing by together" instead of attacking?
Answer: The phrase "passed by together" is highly significant because it denotes a sudden, unified, and inglorious retreat rather than a successful assault or even a sustained siege. The kings, having assembled with hostile intent, are depicted as being struck with terror and fleeing in disarray, as elaborated in the subsequent verses of Psalm 48 (e.g., Psalms 48:5-6). This immediate and collective withdrawal, without a human battle, powerfully emphasizes that their defeat was not by human hands but by divine intervention. It illustrates the absolute futility of human power when it opposes God's purposes and highlights God's sovereign protection over His city and His people, demonstrating His ability to scatter enemies with a mere display of His presence.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 48:4, with its vivid depiction of earthly powers arrayed against God's chosen city only to be supernaturally repelled, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While ancient Jerusalem was the earthly dwelling place of God's presence, Christ Himself is the true and perfect dwelling place of God among humanity, the very embodiment of God's presence, as John 1:14 declares, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The kings who assembled against Zion foreshadow the spiritual powers of darkness and the forces of evil that continually assemble against Christ and His Church, which is the new Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22). Just as the ancient kings were struck with terror and fled, so too has Christ, through His death and resurrection, decisively defeated all spiritual principalities and powers, triumphing over them on the cross (Colossians 2:15). The security promised to Zion in the Old Testament is now realized in Christ, who is the impregnable refuge and defender of His people. The ultimate "passing by together" of all opposition will occur when every knee bows and every tongue confesses Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:10-11), and when the Lamb of God reigns eternally in the New Jerusalem, where no enemy can ever assemble against God's redeemed people (Revelation 21:2-4).