Psalms 48:5

They saw [it, and] so they marvelled; they were troubled, [and] hasted away.

They saw {H7200}{H8804)} it, and so they marvelled {H8539}{H8804)}; they were troubled {H926}{H8738)}, and hasted away {H2648}{H8738)}.

They saw and were filled with consternation; terrified, they took to flight.

They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror.

They saw it, then were they amazed; They were dismayed, they hasted away.

Psalms 48:5 (KJV) vividly portrays the immediate, overwhelming reaction of invading kings who had gathered against Jerusalem. The verse describes their astonishment, terror, and hasty retreat upon encountering the divine presence and power protecting the city of God.

Historical and Cultural Context

Psalms 48 is a "Song of Zion," celebrating Jerusalem (also known as Zion) as the glorious city of God, protected by His mighty hand. The preceding verses (Psalms 48:1-4) describe the beauty and strength of Mount Zion and how kings conspired to attack it. Verse 5 likely refers to a specific, though unnamed, historical event where enemy forces gathered against Jerusalem but were miraculously scattered by divine intervention. A notable parallel can be found in the account of Sennacherib's Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem during King Hezekiah's reign, where the Lord struck them down, causing their panicked withdrawal. This psalm assures believers that God is the ultimate defender of His dwelling place and His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Protection: The primary theme is God's unwavering defense of Jerusalem. The enemies did not need to be fought by human hands; God's mere presence or a demonstration of His power was enough to cause their collapse. This underscores God's sovereignty over all earthly powers.
  • Awe-Inspiring Power of God: The reaction of the kings—marvelling, being troubled, and hasting away—highlights the terrifying majesty and overwhelming power of God. They witnessed something that defied their military might and strategic planning, leading to utter dismay.
  • Consequences of Opposing God: Those who set themselves against God's chosen city or people inevitably face His formidable power. Their confidence turns to confusion and panic, demonstrating that no human force can stand against the Almighty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used convey the intensity of the kings' reaction:

  • "Marvelled" (תָּמַהּ - tamah): This word signifies a profound sense of astonishment or wonder, often associated with seeing something extraordinary or miraculous.
  • "Troubled" (בָּהַל - bahal): This is a strong term indicating deep consternation, terror, or dismay. It suggests a sudden, overwhelming fear that throws one into confusion and disrupts all plans.
  • "Hasted away" (חָפַז - chapaz): This word implies fleeing in alarm, being in a frantic hurry. It paints a picture of a disorderly and panicked retreat, not a strategic withdrawal.

Related Scriptures

The theme of God's protective presence causing enemies to scatter is echoed throughout Scripture:

  • Psalms 46:1 declares God as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," reinforcing the idea of His immediate intervention.
  • Psalms 125:2 states, "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever."
  • The idea of earthly kings setting themselves against the Lord is also seen in Psalms 2:2, where their futile opposition is prophesied.

Practical Application

Psalms 48:5 offers enduring comfort and warning. For believers, it reinforces the assurance that God is their ultimate protector, capable of defending them against seemingly insurmountable odds. When faced with opposition or fear, we can find peace in the knowledge that our God is sovereign and powerful enough to cause our adversaries to flee in dismay, just as He did for Jerusalem. It also serves as a potent reminder for those who oppose God or His purposes: His power is undeniable, and His judgment is swift and terrifying to those who stand against Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 14:25

    And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

  • 2 Kings 7:6

    For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

  • 2 Kings 7:7

    Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it [was], and fled for their life.

  • 2 Kings 19:35

    ¶ And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

  • 2 Kings 19:37

    And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

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