Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
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
Walk about Zion again and again with loving care, inspecting her as Israel marched round Jericho. Survey her origin, privileges, history, security, and glory with patient, lingering thought; no subject deserves it more. Count her towers, see if doctrine, strength, and beauty stand unbroken. Her enemies counted them in terror; let us count them with sacred exultation.
AI summary
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