Psalms 48:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 48:5 powerfully depicts the immediate and overwhelming reaction of enemy kings who had gathered with hostile intent against Jerusalem. Upon encountering the manifest presence and protective power of God, their confidence dissolved into profound astonishment, terror, and a frantic, disorderly retreat. The verse serves as a vivid testament to the Lord's unassailable sovereignty and His unwavering defense of His holy city and people, demonstrating that no earthly power can stand against Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 48 is a "Song of Zion," a specific genre of psalms celebrating Jerusalem as the glorious city of God and the dwelling place of the Lord. The psalm opens with exultant praise for God's greatness in Zion ([Psalms 48:1-3](/psalms/48-1 "Psalms 48:1-3 - God's Greatness in Zion")), then shifts to describe a dramatic confrontation where kings gather against the city ([Psalms 48:4](/psalms/48-4 "Psalms 48:4 - Kings Conspire")). Verse 5 acts as the climactic moment of this confrontation, detailing the enemy's sudden and inexplicable defeat. The subsequent verses ([Psalms 48:6-8](/psalms/48-6 "Psalms 48:6-8 - God's Deliverance")) further elaborate on God's destructive power and the psalmist's reflection on this divine intervention, culminating in a call to contemplate Zion's strength and God's eternal reign. This verse is pivotal, transitioning from the threat to the miraculous deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, also known as Zion, held immense religious and political significance in ancient Israel. It was considered the chosen city of God, where His temple resided, symbolizing His presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, cities were frequently besieged by rival kingdoms, and their fate often depended on the strength of their fortifications and the might of their armies. This psalm likely alludes to a generic, yet historically resonant, scenario where enemy forces gather to attack Jerusalem, only to be supernaturally repelled by divine intervention. A prominent historical parallel, though not explicitly named in the psalm, is the account of King Sennacherib's Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem during King Hezekiah's reign, where the Lord miraculously struck down the Assyrians, leading to their panicked withdrawal ([2_kings/19-35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Defeat of Sennacherib's Army")). Such events reinforced the belief that God was the ultimate defender of His dwelling place and His covenant people, a truth deeply embedded in Israelite cultural identity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 48 and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Protection**, illustrating God's unwavering and active 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, underscoring His sovereignty over all earthly powers, as seen in the ultimate victory described in [Psalms 48:8](/psalms/48-8 "Psalms 48:8 - God Establishes His City Forever"). Secondly, the **Awe-Inspiring Power of God** is vividly portrayed through the kings' reaction—marvelling, being troubled, and hasting away. They witnessed something that defied their military might and strategic planning, leading to utter dismay and a recognition of a power far beyond their comprehension, echoing the declaration in [Psalms 48:1](/psalms/48-1 "Psalms 48:1 - Great is the Lord"). Finally, the verse highlights the **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, a truth also articulated in [Psalms 2:4-5](/psalms/2-4 "Psalms 2:4-5 - The Lord Laughs at the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Marvelled (Hebrew, _tāmah'_):** This verb signifies a profound sense of astonishment, wonder, or amazement, often in response to something extraordinary, miraculous, or inexplicable. In this context, it conveys a reaction of utter disbelief and awe at what they witnessed, something that defied their expectations and military prowess. It suggests a sudden, overwhelming realization of divine power.
* **Troubled (Hebrew, _bāhal'_):** This strong term indicates deep consternation, terror, or dismay. It describes a state of being thrown into sudden confusion, panic, and disarray. It implies not just fear, but a loss of composure and strategic thinking, leading to a complete breakdown of their plans and morale.
* **Hasted away (Hebrew, _ḥāpaz'_):** This verb denotes fleeing in alarm, being in a frantic hurry, or making a hasty, disorderly retreat. It paints a picture of a panicked, undignified flight rather than a strategic withdrawal, emphasizing the overwhelming fear that compelled them to abandon their siege and flee for their lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They saw [it, and]":** The "they" refers to the kings who had gathered against Jerusalem, as mentioned in the preceding verse ([Psalms 48:4](/psalms/48-4 "Psalms 48:4 - Kings Conspire Against Zion")). The "it" is crucial but unspecified, allowing for broad interpretation. It likely refers to a manifestation of God's presence, power, or a divine act that became undeniably evident. This could be a visible sign, an audible sound, a supernatural intervention, or simply the overwhelming, palpable sense of God's protective presence that rendered their military might useless. The emphasis is on their direct perception of this divine reality.
* **"so they marvelled;":** Upon seeing "it," their immediate reaction was one of profound astonishment. This was not mere surprise but a deep, unsettling wonder at something utterly beyond their comprehension or control. Their military confidence was shattered by an encounter with the supernatural.
* **"they were troubled,":** Following their astonishment, a wave of intense fear and confusion swept over them. This "trouble" implies a state of panic, disorganization, and mental distress. Their plans were disrupted, their courage evaporated, and their strategic thinking gave way to utter dismay in the face of an invincible, unseen force.
* **"[and] hasted away.":** The culmination of their astonishment and terror was a frantic, disorderly retreat. They did not withdraw strategically but fled in a desperate hurry, abandoning their siege and demonstrating the complete collapse of their will to fight. This hasty departure underscores the overwhelming nature of the divine power they encountered.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 48:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the dramatic impact of divine intervention. The verse uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and instantaneous reaction of the kings, portraying their astonishment, terror, and flight as an almost comical, yet terrifying, overreaction to an unseen force. This exaggeration underscores the overwhelming power of God. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the kings, confident in their military might and strategic planning, are utterly undone by a power they neither anticipated nor could comprehend. Their initial gathering in defiance ([Psalms 48:4](/psalms/48-4 "Psalms 48:4 - Kings Gather Against Zion")) sets up their subsequent humiliating retreat. The verse also implicitly uses **Symbolism**, where Jerusalem itself symbolizes God's protective presence and the security found in Him. The kings' reaction to the city is, in essence, their reaction to the God who dwells within it. Furthermore, the rapid succession of verbs ("saw," "marvelled," "troubled," "hasted away") creates a sense of **Climax** and rapid **Pacing**, reflecting the suddenness and intensity of their experience and retreat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 48:5 profoundly affirms God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to protect His people and His dwelling place. It reveals that God's mere presence is more formidable than any earthly army, demonstrating that human might and strategic planning are utterly futile when arrayed against the Almighty. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the true security of God's people does not lie in their own strength or fortifications, but in the omnipotent hand of their divine Protector. It underscores the theological truth that those who oppose God and His purposes will inevitably face His terrifying power and judgment, leading to their dismay and defeat.

* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength") declares, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," reinforcing the theme of God's immediate and active intervention on behalf of His people.
* [Psalms 125:2](/psalms/125-2 "Psalms 125:2 - The Lord is Round About His People") states, "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever," echoing the imagery of divine encirclement and protection.
* [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrians") provides a vivid historical example of God's miraculous intervention, where "the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 48:5 offers a profound source of comfort and a stern warning for believers and unbelievers alike. For the follower of God, it is a powerful assurance that our God is an active, present, and all-sufficient Protector. When we face overwhelming challenges, spiritual attacks, or seemingly insurmountable opposition, this verse reminds us that our security is not in our own strength, but in the Lord who can cause our adversaries to flee in dismay with but a glance. It encourages us to place our trust fully in His sovereign power, knowing that He is capable of defending us against all odds. For those who might oppose God or His people, it serves as a potent reminder of the futility and danger of such defiance. God's power is undeniable, and His judgment, though often patient, is swift and terrifying to those who stand against His divine will. We are called to live in awe of His majesty and to find our refuge in His unshakeable presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "it" might God reveal in your life today that would cause your fears or adversaries to "marvel" and "haste away"?**
* **How does the swift and overwhelming defeat of the kings in this verse strengthen your trust in God's protective power in your own spiritual battles?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or strategies rather than trusting in God's sovereign defense?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the ultimate futility of human opposition to God's plans and purposes?**

### FAQ

**What does "it" refer to in "They saw [it, and] so they marvelled"?**

Answer: The "it" in Psalms 48:5 refers to an unspecified, yet undeniable, manifestation of God's presence, power, or a divine act. The psalmist intentionally leaves it ambiguous to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the experience rather than a specific visual detail. It could have been a sudden, palpable sense of divine majesty, a supernatural sign, an earthquake, or the sheer, unexplainable collapse of their morale and will to fight in the face of God's protective aura around Jerusalem. The point is that the kings witnessed something that defied natural explanation and pointed directly to the intervention of the Almighty.

**Does this verse refer to a specific historical event, like Sennacherib's invasion?**

Answer: While Psalms 48:5 vividly describes a scenario similar to the historical account of Sennacherib's Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem during King Hezekiah's reign ([2_kings/19-35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Defeat of Sennacherib's Army")), the psalm itself does not explicitly name this or any other specific event. Many scholars believe "Songs of Zion" like Psalms 48 often celebrate the general truth of God's protection of Jerusalem, drawing on a pattern of divine interventions rather than a single, unique instance. The psalm's timeless message of God's defense of His city and people transcends any particular historical moment, making its truth applicable across generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 48:5, with its dramatic portrayal of God's defense of Zion and the scattering of His enemies, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His church. Just as ancient Jerusalem was the dwelling place of God and the focus of His protection, so too is the Church the new spiritual Zion, the dwelling place of God through His Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). The kings who "marvelled, were troubled, and hasted away" before God's power in Jerusalem foreshadow the ultimate defeat of all spiritual enemies—Satan, sin, and death—through the finished work of Christ. On the cross, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), causing them to "haste away" in ultimate defeat. His resurrection and ascension established Him as the King of kings, seated at the right hand of God, from whom all authority in heaven and on earth derives ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The promise that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")) is the New Testament echo of God's unwavering protection of Zion. Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, where God dwells eternally with His people and there is no more curse or enemy ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")), represents the final and complete fulfillment of God's protective presence, secured forever by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

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

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.