Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments!
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
Let mount Zion rejoice. As the first of the cities of Judah, and the main object of the enemies' attack, let her lead the song. Let the daughters of Judah be glad, let the smaller towns join the chorus, for they join in the common victory. Let the women, who fare worst in the havoc of war, be among the gladdest of the glad, now that the spoilers have fled.
Compare what God has spoken with what He has done, and faith is confirmed: as we have heard, so have we seen. God's latter works for His people echo His former ones. What we have heard promised in Scripture we now see accomplished in providence. From this we may conclude that God will establish His church forever, not in Jerusalem, long since dust, but in the gospel church, which shall endure.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 48:8-14