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A patriotic hymn, to be sung in the temple service in celebration of a signal deliverance of Jerusalem from an invading army. Commentators are not agreed as to what army. Let it be taken as suggesting some things which may be said of the true eternal city of God, what it is, and what it will become through everlasting ages, exhibiting the greatest glory of man and the highest glory of God.

I. SOCIETY FOUNDED AND BUILT UP IN HOLINESS. (Ver. 1.) Nothing unclean can permanently dwell in it. The heavenly Jerusalem.

II. FILLED THROUGHOUT WITH DIVINE JOY. (Ver. 2.) "God shall wipe away all tears." No permanent sorrow.

III. ETERNALLY SAFE FROM DANGER OF OVERTHROW. (Ver. 3.) Often threatened during her earthly history by the combined forces of evil which have been arrayed against her.

IV. GOD HAS EXPENDED THE GRANDEST POWERS OF HIS NATURE IN BUILDING IT UP.

1. Moral omnipotence. (Vers. 4-8.) The history of past times and personal experience testify to this. He breaks the forces of evil as he broke the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

2. It has been and is the theatre for the display of the infinite love. (Ver. 9.) "God is in Christ reconciling the world unto himself."

3. Also for the fullest display of the Divine righteousness. (Vers. 10, 11.) "Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne."

4. He is the everlasting Guide and Light of the city. (Ver. 14.) Because he is its King and Father and Lawgiver. Here is a theme for grateful thanksgiving and joy and worship. - S.

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KJV: {A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.} Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

WEB: Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.