For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. For beholdThe phrase "For behold" serves as a call to attention, urging the reader or listener to observe something significant. In Hebrew, the word often translated as "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which is used to draw focus to an important event or statement. This word is frequently used in the Bible to introduce divine actions or revelations, emphasizing the importance of what follows. In this context, it sets the stage for a momentous event involving the kings of the earth. the kings assembled
The gathering of kings suggests a significant political or military event. The Hebrew word for "assembled" is "נֹועֲדוּ" (no'adu), which implies a deliberate and purposeful gathering. Historically, such assemblies of kings were often for war councils or alliances. In the biblical context, this could refer to historical events where multiple nations conspired against Israel, or it could symbolize the opposition of worldly powers against God's people. The assembly of kings highlights the perceived threat and the magnitude of the opposition. they all advanced together
This phrase indicates a unified movement or action. The Hebrew root for "advanced" is "עָבַר" (avar), which can mean to pass over, go through, or advance. The unity of the kings in their advance suggests a formidable coalition, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat. However, in the broader context of Psalm 48, this unified advance is ultimately futile against the power and protection of God. The historical context may allude to specific events where enemy forces gathered against Jerusalem, only to be thwarted by divine intervention. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate futility of opposing His will. Persons / Places / Events 1. KingsThe verse mentions "kings" who assembled together. These kings likely represent the rulers of various nations who come together, possibly in opposition to Jerusalem or in awe of its strength and beauty. 2. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 48 is centered around Jerusalem, often referred to as the city of God, which is a symbol of God's presence and protection. 3. AssemblyThe event of the kings assembling signifies a gathering, which could imply a council or a coalition, possibly with intentions against Jerusalem. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsDespite the assembly of powerful rulers, God's sovereignty remains unchallenged. Believers can trust in God's ultimate control over world events. The Futility of Opposing GodThe gathering of kings serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's will. History and scripture show that God's purposes will prevail. Unity in the Body of ChristJust as the kings assembled, believers are called to assemble in unity, not for opposition, but for the advancement of God's kingdom. Confidence in God's ProtectionThe context of Psalm 48 assures believers of God's protection over His people. We can have confidence in His defense against any adversary. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the assembly of kings in Psalm 48:4 teach us about the nature of earthly power compared to God's power? 2. How can the events described in 2 Chronicles 20 encourage us when we face overwhelming opposition in our lives? 3. In what ways does Psalm 2 reinforce the message of Psalm 48:4 regarding the futility of opposing God? 4. How can we apply the concept of unity, as seen in the assembly of kings, to foster unity within our church or community? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection in a challenging situation. How does Psalm 48:4 encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and protection today? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 20This chapter describes a coalition of nations coming against Judah, and God's miraculous intervention. It parallels the idea of kings assembling against God's people. Revelation 19The gathering of kings in opposition to God is echoed in the end times, where earthly powers unite against Christ, only to be defeated. Psalm 2This psalm speaks of the nations and kings conspiring against the Lord and His Anointed, highlighting the futility of opposing God's sovereign plan. People Korah, Psalmist, TarshishPlaces JerusalemTopics Advanced, Agreement, Assembled, Behold, Forces, Joined, Kings, Met, Onward, Passed, ThemselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 48:1-14 7271 Zion, as symbol Psalm 48:4-5 5205 alliance Library A Song of Deliverance
'Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. 2. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. 3. God is known in her palaces for a refuge. 4. For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together. 5. They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. 6. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail. 7. Thou breakest …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Mystery
Of the Two Witnesses prophesying in Sackcloth. Two witnesses or prophets sent by God, clothed in sackcloth, are to preach, while the Gentiles are treading under foot the court of the people of God, or the holy city. These are the interpreters and assertors of Divine truth, who should deplore that foul and lamentable contamination of the Church of Christ, by continual complaints, and whom God would raise up as unceasing monitors to the Christian world, committing whoredom with the Gentiles, and as …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with the Creator's Disposition. Many Quotations Out of the Old Testament in Proof of This.
"In the like manner," says He, [3982] "did their fathers unto the prophets." What a turncoat [3983] is Marcion's Christ! Now the destroyer, now the advocate of the prophets! He destroyed them as their rival, by converting their disciples; he took up their cause as their friend, by stigmatizing [3984] their persecutors. But, [3985] in as far as the defence of the prophets could not be consistent in the Christ of Marcion, who came to destroy them; in so far is it becoming to the Creator's Christ that …
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion But I Marvel, If, as it is Allowed to Put Away a Wife Who...
7. But I marvel, if, as it is allowed to put away a wife who is an adulteress, so it be allowed, having put her away, to marry another. For holy Scripture causes a hard knot in this matter, in that the Apostle says, that, by commandment of the Lord, the wife ought not to depart from her husband, but, in case she shall have departed, to remain unmarried, or to be reconciled to her husband; [1950] whereas surely she ought not to depart and remain unmarried, save from an husband that is an adulterer, …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
[Sidenote: 1140, October] 42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship, and after a prosperous voyage landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might receive the first benefit.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them. …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux.
[Sidenote: 1148, May (?)] 67. (30). Being asked once, in what place, if a choice were given him, he would prefer to spend his last day--for on this subject the brothers used to ask one another what place each would select for himself--he hesitated, and made no reply. But when they insisted, he said, "If I take my departure hence[821] I shall do so nowhere more gladly than whence I may rise together with our Apostle"[822]--he referred to St. Patrick; "but if it behoves me to make a pilgrimage, and …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
'Then Isaiah the son of Amos sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. 21. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Eternity of Heaven's Happiness.
Having endeavored, in the foregoing pages, to form to ourselves some idea of the glorious happiness reserved for us in heaven, there still remains to say something of its crowning glory--the eternity of its duration. This is not only its crowning glory, but it is, moreover, an essential constituent of that unspeakable joy which now inebriates the souls of the blessed. A moment's reflection will make this evident. Let us suppose, for the sake of illustration, that on the last day, God should thus …
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven Epistle ii. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch.
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Gregory to Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch. I have received the letters of your most sweet Blessedness, which flowed with tears for words. For I saw in them a cloud flying aloft as clouds do; but, though it carried with it a darkness of sorrow, I could not easily discover at its commencement whence it came or whither it was going, since by reason of the darkness I speak of I did not fully understand its origin. Yet it becomes you, most holy ones, ever to recall …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 48:4 NIVPsalm 48:4 NLTPsalm 48:4 ESVPsalm 48:4 NASBPsalm 48:4 KJV
Psalm 48:4 Commentaries
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