They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. They saw and were astoundedThe phrase "They saw" refers to the kings mentioned in the preceding verses of Psalm 48. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "רָאוּ" (ra'u), which is derived from the root "רָאָה" (ra'ah), meaning "to see" or "to perceive." This seeing is not merely a physical act but an acknowledgment of something significant and awe-inspiring. In the context of Jerusalem, the city of God, this seeing implies a recognition of divine presence and protection. Historically, Jerusalem was a city that stood as a testament to God's covenant with Israel, and its very existence was a symbol of His faithfulness. The kings, upon seeing Jerusalem, are confronted with the reality of God's power and sovereignty. and were astounded
The word "astounded" in Hebrew is "תָּמָהוּ" (tamahu), which conveys a sense of being amazed, bewildered, or struck with wonder. This reaction is not just surprise but a profound realization of something beyond human comprehension. The historical context of this verse suggests that the kings, who likely came with intentions of conquest or inspection, were instead met with the undeniable evidence of God's protection over Jerusalem. This astonishment can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to make His presence known among the nations. Theologically, this serves as a reminder of God's unassailable power and the futility of opposing His will. The city of Jerusalem, often under threat, stands firm not because of its own might but because of the divine presence that dwells within it. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's protection and to recognize that His plans will always prevail, leaving even the mightiest of earthly powers in awe. Persons / Places / Events 1. Zion/JerusalemThe city of God, often symbolizing God's presence and protection. In Psalm 48, Zion is depicted as a place of divine strength and beauty. 2. The KingsThese are the rulers or leaders of nations who come together against Zion. Their reaction to Zion's strength is one of fear and astonishment. 3. God's PresenceThe underlying event is the manifestation of God's power and protection over Zion, causing fear among the enemies. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ProtectionJust as God protected Zion, He is our refuge and strength today. We can trust in His sovereign power to guard us against spiritual and physical threats. The Fear of the LordThe fear experienced by the kings is a reminder of the awe and reverence due to God. Recognizing His power should lead us to worship and obedience. The Futility of Opposing GodThe kings' flight in terror illustrates the futility of opposing God's will. Aligning ourselves with God's purposes ensures we are on the side of victory. Confidence in God's PresenceKnowing that God dwells among His people should give us confidence and peace, even when faced with formidable challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the reaction of the kings in Psalm 48:5 reflect the power and presence of God in our lives today? 2. In what ways can we experience God's protection as described in Psalm 48, and how does this influence our daily walk with Him? 3. How does the fear of the Lord differ from the fear experienced by the enemies of Zion, and how can we cultivate a healthy fear of God? 4. What are some modern-day "kings" or challenges that might cause us to fear, and how can we apply the lessons from Psalm 48 to overcome them? 5. How does the theme of God's presence in Zion connect with the promise of His presence in the New Jerusalem, and what hope does this give us for the future? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 20This chapter describes a time when multiple nations came against Judah, and God delivered them miraculously, causing the enemies to turn on each other in confusion and fear. Isaiah 33:14This verse speaks of sinners in Zion being afraid, highlighting the fear that comes upon those who oppose God's people. Revelation 21:2-3The New Jerusalem is described as the dwelling place of God with His people, echoing the themes of divine presence and protection found in Psalm 48. People Korah, Psalmist, TarshishPlaces JerusalemTopics Affrighted, Alarm, Amazed, Astounded, Consternation, Dismayed, Fear, Fled, Flight, Full, Hasted, Hastened, Hurried, Marvelled, Panic, Quickly, Straightway, Terrified, Terror, Troubled, Wonder, WonderedDictionary 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 48:5 NIVPsalm 48:5 NLTPsalm 48:5 ESVPsalm 48:5 NASBPsalm 48:5 KJV
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