Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
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
Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. As easily as vessels are driven to shipwreck, dost thou overturn the most powerful adversaries; or it may mean the strength of some nations lies in their ships, whose wooden walls are soon broken; but our strength is in our God, and therefore, it fails not; or there may be another meaning, though thou art...
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