Psalms 48:4

KJV

For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

KJV (with Strong's)

For, lo, the kings {H4428} were assembled {H3259}{H8738)}, they passed by {H5674}{H8804)} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the kings met by agreement; together they advanced.

Berean Standard Bible

For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together.

American Standard Version

For, lo, the kings assembled themselves, They passed by together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 48:4 vividly portrays a dramatic scene where a coalition of hostile kings gathers with menacing intent against Jerusalem, the city of God. However, instead of launching an attack, they are depicted as merely "passing by together," implying a sudden, inexplicable retreat or flight. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's observation of divine intervention, showcasing God's immediate and overwhelming protection of His holy city against formidable earthly opposition, thereby affirming His supreme sovereignty and the security of those who trust in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 48 is a powerful hymn of praise celebrating God's greatness and His dwelling in Mount Zion, Jerusalem. It is often categorized as a "Zion song," emphasizing the city's beauty, strength, and security derived from God's presence within it. Verses 1-3 establish Zion's glory and God's protective presence. Our verse initiates a narrative section (verses 4-8) that recounts a specific, though unnamed, historical or prophetic event where enemy kings assembled against Jerusalem. The subsequent verses describe their sudden terror and flight, highlighting God's immediate and decisive defense, culminating in a declaration of God's enduring faithfulness and the city's eternal security (verses 9-14). This section serves as a concrete example of the theological truths declared earlier in the psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of kings assembling against Jerusalem resonates with several historical accounts where the city faced existential threats from powerful empires. A prominent example often associated with this psalm is the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under Sennacherib during the reign of King Hezekiah (circa 701 BC), as detailed in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Defeat") and [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - Hezekiah's Prayer and Deliverance"). In that instance, the vast Assyrian army was miraculously defeated by divine intervention, leading to Sennacherib's sudden retreat without conquering the city. Culturally, the gathering of kings represented the ultimate display of military might and human opposition, making their inexplicable retreat a profound testament to a greater, unseen power. Jerusalem, as the capital of Judah and the site of the Temple, was considered God's chosen dwelling place, making any attack on it an affront to God Himself.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader psalm, contributes significantly to several core theological themes. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Divine Protection of Zion**, asserting God's unwavering defense of His holy city and, by extension, His people. Earthly powers, no matter how formidable, are rendered utterly powerless against His might. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Opposition to God**, demonstrating that human schemes and military might are ultimately ineffective when arrayed against God's purposes. The kings' gathering represents a significant threat, yet their quick retreat (as elaborated in subsequent verses) illustrates the ultimate impotence of human rebellion, echoing sentiments found in [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalms 2:4 - God Laughs at Rebellious Kings"). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's Awe-Inspiring Power**, implying that the kings' sudden departure was not due to human resistance but to a supernatural terror or divine intervention that compelled them to abandon their plans instantly, much like the fear that fell upon the Philistines in [1 Samuel 14:15](/1_samuel/14-15 "1 Samuel 14:15 - Panic in the Philistine Camp").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **assembled (Hebrew, _nōʿădû'_):** This verb, from the root יָעַד (yaʿad), means "to appoint," "to meet," or "to gather by appointment." In the Niphal stem, as used here, it signifies a passive or reflexive action: "they were assembled" or "they gathered themselves." It implies a deliberate, purposeful convergence of forces, suggesting a unified and formidable threat. The kings did not stumble upon Jerusalem; they intentionally convened with a clear objective, likely hostile.
* **passed by together (Hebrew, _ʿāḇərû yaḥdāw'_):** The verb עָבַר (ʿāḇar) means "to pass over," "to pass through," or "to pass by." Combined with יַחְדָּו (yaḥdāw), meaning "together" or "as one," the phrase is rich with interpretive possibilities. While it could literally mean they marched past the city without engaging, the context of subsequent verses (especially [Psalms 48:5-6](/psalms/48-5 "Psalms 48:5-6 - Terror and Flight")) strongly suggests a hasty, panicked retreat or flight. They came together with one purpose (to attack) but departed together with another (to flee), indicating a sudden, collective change of heart or a divinely induced terror that compelled their unified withdrawal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, lo, the kings were assembled":** This opening clause immediately captures attention with the interjection "lo" (הִנֵּה, *hinnēh*), drawing the reader into the psalmist's observation of a startling event. The "kings" (מְלָכִים, *məlāḵîm*) signify a coalition of powerful, sovereign rulers, representing a significant and seemingly overwhelming military force. Their "assembly" (נֹועֲדוּ, *nōʿădû*) indicates a deliberate, coordinated gathering with a hostile intent against Jerusalem, setting the stage for a major confrontation.
* **"they passed by together."**: This second clause presents the unexpected and climactic outcome. Instead of engaging in battle, conquering, or besieging, these formidable kings merely "passed by together" (עָבְרוּ יַחְדָּו, *ʿāḇərû yaḥdāw*). This phrase, especially when read in conjunction with the subsequent verses that describe their terror and flight, implies a sudden, unified, and inglorious retreat. Their formidable assembly dissolves into a collective, perhaps panicked, withdrawal, showcasing the utter futility of their aggression against God's protected city.

#### 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) knows God's protective power, while the kings, in their hubris, are unaware of the divine force they are truly up against. The initial image of the kings "assembled" builds a 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 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 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.

* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 37:33-36](/isaiah/37-33 "Isaiah 37:33-36 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib")
* [Zechariah 12:2-4](/zechariah/12-2 "Zechariah 12:2-4 - Jerusalem, a Cup of Trembling")

### 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, or spiritual warfare, 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "kings" or overwhelming forces do you perceive assembling against you or God's work in your life today?**
* **How does the swift and silent retreat of the kings in this verse encourage your faith in God's protection?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or strategies rather than trusting in God's divine intervention?**

### 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](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Siege of Jerusalem") and [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Answer"). 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](/psalms/48-5 "Psalms 48:5-6 - Terror Seized Them")). This immediate and collective withdrawal, without a human battle, emphasizes that their defeat was not by human hands but by divine intervention. It powerfully illustrates the futility of human power when it opposes God's purposes and highlights God's sovereign protection over His city and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 48:4, with its 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 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") 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](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). 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](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")), 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](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem")).

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

Revelation 17:12

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

2 Samuel 10:6

¶ And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

2 Samuel 10:19

And when all the kings [that were] servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.

Revelation 20:8

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.

Revelation 20:9

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

Psalms 83:2

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.