Psalms 48:8

¶ 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.

As we have heard {H8085}{H8804)}, so have we seen {H7200}{H8804)} in the city {H5892} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, in the city {H5892} of our God {H430}: God {H430} will establish {H3559}{H8787)} it for {H5704} ever {H5769}. Selah {H5542}.

We heard it, and now we see for ourselves in the city of ADONAI-Tzva'ot, in the city of our God. May God establish it forever. (Selah)

As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the LORD of Hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish her forever. Selah

As we have heard, so have we seen In the city of Jehovah of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. [Selah

Psalms 48:8 serves as a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and the enduring security He grants to His chosen city, Jerusalem, based on witnessed divine intervention.

Context

Psalm 48 is a hymn celebrating Mount Zion, the city of Jerusalem, as the glorious dwelling place of God. The psalm likely recounts a specific historical event where Jerusalem was miraculously delivered from a formidable invading force. Verses 4-7 vividly describe how kings gathered against the city but were struck with terror and fled in disarray, emphasizing God's overwhelming power. Verse 8, therefore, acts as a triumphant confirmation: what the people had heard about God's protective might and His special relationship with Jerusalem was now visibly manifested, solidifying their faith in His eternal promises. This event could relate to the Assyrian invasion during King Hezekiah's reign, where the LORD delivered Jerusalem (see 2 Kings 19:35).

Key Themes

  • Confirmation of God's Word: The phrase "As we have heard, so have we seen" is central, highlighting the theme of divine veracity. It affirms that God's prophecies, promises, and historical accounts of His power are not mere stories but are tangibly fulfilled in reality. This builds confidence in the reliability of God's character and His active involvement in human history.
  • God's Presence and Sovereignty in Jerusalem: The repeated designation of Jerusalem as "the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God" emphasizes its unique sacred status. It is not just an earthly capital but God's chosen dwelling place, where His authority and power are uniquely displayed. The title "LORD of hosts" underscores His supreme command over all creation and armies, both visible and invisible.
  • Eternal Establishment and Security: The declaration "God will establish it for ever" speaks to the divine commitment to the permanence and security of Jerusalem. While the physical city has faced destruction throughout history, this promise points to its enduring spiritual significance and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This echoes the Davidic covenant and foreshadows the New Jerusalem where God's presence will be eternally established with His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "LORD of hosts" translates from the Hebrew Yahweh Sabaoth (יהוה צבאות). Yahweh is God's personal covenant name, and Sabaoth means "armies" or "hosts." This title portrays God as the Commander of all heavenly armies and earthly forces, signifying His absolute power and ability to defend and deliver. It is a title of immense strength and authority, particularly fitting in a context of divine protection against enemies.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 48:8 offers profound encouragement. It reminds us that God is faithful to His word. What we have "heard" through Scripture—God's promises, His character, His power to deliver and sustain—we can expect to "see" manifested in our lives and in the world. This verse fosters a trust that God establishes what He purposes, providing a sense of ultimate security beyond any temporal threat. It encourages us to look to God as our ultimate protector and foundation, knowing that His kingdom and His promises are truly unshakeable and eternal.

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.

  • Psalms 87:5

    And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

  • Psalms 44:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

  • Psalms 44:2

    [How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

  • Micah 4:1

    ¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

  • Psalms 78:3

    Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

  • Psalms 78:6

    That the generation to come might know [them, even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children:

  • Matthew 16:18

    And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

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