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Psalm 48:2

ESV beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
NIV Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King.
NASB Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King.
CSB rising splendidly, is the joy of the whole earth. Mount Zion—the summit of Zaphon— is the city of the great King.
NLT It is high and magnificent; the whole earth rejoices to see it! Mount Zion, the holy mountain, is the city of the great King!
KJV Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
NKJV Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King.

What does Psalm 48:2 mean?

This psalm uses Jerusalem as a living example of God's greatness. "His holy mountain" (Psalm 48:1) is Zion. This term is used for more than one location in or around the city. The name "Mount Zion" is sometimes applied to the hill just south of old Jerusalem, and at other times to the temple mount. It's likely the mention of Zion's location "in the far north" refers to the position of the temple mount within ancient Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is said to be "beautiful in elevation," using a Hebrew phrase word that has more to do with an advantageous position than extreme height. Jerusalem is located among a low mountain range which runs north and south; approaching from the east or west, it would appear to be situated "above" the traveler.

Prophetically, Jerusalem has brought joy to all the earth. Jesus died outside the city (Hebrews 13:12; Mark 15:20) to pay the penalty of sin and give eternal life to all who believe on Him as their Savior (John 3:16–18). Jesus will reign over all the earth from Jerusalem when He makes it His kingdom's capital city (Psalm 2:6; Isaiah 65:17–19). People throughout the kingdom will invite one another to go to Jerusalem to learn the Lord's ways (Isaiah 2:3).
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