God is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be a fortress.
This psalm celebrates Jerusalem's deliverance when many kings conspired against it. The prophet gives thanks and insists that God's sanctuary on Mount Zion was erected precisely so His power would be manifestly shown for His people's salvation. The historical setting is most likely the siege under Ahaz, or the invasions in the days of Jehoshaphat and Asa, when the city was brought to utter despair yet suddenly delivered.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 48:1-14
God is known in her palaces for a refuge. We worship no unknown God. We know him as our refuge in distress, we delight in him as such, and run to him in every time of need. We know nothing else as our refuge.
Whatever we praise, God must be first and last in it; so when we honor Jerusalem or the church, all that honor flows back to God Himself. He chose this city, put His name there, and declared He would dwell in it forever. Where God is known, He is great; where He is made great, He is known.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 48:1-7