We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
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
We have thought. Holy men are thoughtful men; they do not suffer God's wonders to pass before their eyes and melt into forgetfulness, but they meditate deeply upon them. Of thy lovingkindness, O God. What a delightful subject! Devout minds never tire of so divine a theme. It is well to think of past lovingkindness in times of trial, and equally profitable to remember it in seasons of prosperity.
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