Psalms 48:4

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

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

For the kings met by agreement; together they advanced.

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

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

Commentary

This verse from Psalm 48 describes a specific event, likely a historical instance or a prophetic vision, where hostile forces gathered against Jerusalem, the city of God (also known as Zion). The psalmist observes the kings assembling, intending to attack, but something causes them to simply "pass by together" without achieving their goal.

Context

Psalm 48 is a hymn praising God's greatness and His dwelling place in Mount Zion (Jerusalem). It speaks of the city's beauty and security because of God's presence within it. Verses 4-8 specifically recount an event where enemies, described as kings, came against the city but were overwhelmed by awe or fear and fled, highlighting God's immediate and powerful defense of His chosen place.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection of Zion: The verse underscores God's unwavering defense of Jerusalem and, by extension, His people. Earthly powers are shown to be powerless against His might.
  • Futility of Opposition to God: The gathering of the kings represents a significant threat, yet their quick retreat demonstrates the ultimate ineffectiveness of human opposition against God's purposes.
  • God's Awe-Inspiring Power: The sudden departure of the kings implies they were struck with wonder, terror, or some divine intervention that made them abandon their plans instantly.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words translated "assembled" (ื ึนื•ืขึฒื“ื•ึผ - no'adu) and "passed by together" (ืขึธื‘ึฐืจื•ึผ ื™ึทื—ึฐื“ึผึธื• - 'avaru yachdav) are simple and direct. "No'adu" means they met or gathered with purpose. "Avaru yachdav" can mean they passed over or through together, but in this context, likely means they passed by (fled or retreated) together, perhaps in disarray, as the following verses suggest they were terrified.

Reflection

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that despite the assembly of formidable earthly powers against God's work or people, His protection is absolute. Just as the kings were assembled but then quickly passed by Jerusalem, so too will all opposition ultimately fail against the strength and sovereignty of God. It encourages believers to trust in God's refuge and strength, knowing that He is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 17:12 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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