They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
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
They saw it, and so they marvelled. They came, they saw, but they did not conquer. There was no veni, vidi, vici for them. No sooner did they perceive that the Lord was in the Holy City, than they took to their heels. Before the Lord came to blows with them, they were faint hearted, and beat a retreat. They were troubled and hasted away. The troublers were troubled.
The psalmist is designing to praise Jerusalem and to set forth the grandeur of that city; but he begins with the praises of God and his greatness (Psa 48:1), and ends with the praises of God and his goodness, Psa 48:14. For, whatever is the subject of our praises, God must be both the Alpha and Omega of them.
Commenting on Psalm 48:1-7