What does Psalm 48:5 mean?
Those who attacked Jerusalem (Psalm 48:4), thinking they could conquer it, instead fled in terror. This continues a description of the holy city as an example of God's power and might (Psalm 48:1–3).An event commonly associated with this passage is the failed siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrian forces of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19). The victory began when Hezekiah, King of Judah, entered the temple (Isaiah 37:1). In distress, he sent a message to the prophet Isaiah requesting prayers (Isaiah 37:1–4). Isaiah responded by telling Hezekiah not to be afraid, because the Lord would deal with the Assyrians (Isaiah 37:5–7). Hezekiah later prayed over a threatening note he received from the Assyrians (Isaiah 37:14–20). The Lord answered Hezekiah's prayer (2 Kings 19:35–37).
Another option is the defeat of a coalition which assembled to attack Jerusalem during the reign of Jehoshaphat. That combined force turned to infighting and self-destructed without Israel needing to fight, at all (2 Chronicles 20).
Psalm 48:1–9 extols the Lord's excellence and power. These verses establish Jerusalem, "the city of our God," as a shining example of His greatness. Scholars suggest this passage may refer to God's miraculous acts during the reign of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20), or to the defeat of the Assyrian army who attacked Hezekiah (2 Kings 19).
The psalm begins with a declaration of God's superiority and that He is worthy of worship. In this song, Jerusalem is used as an example of the Lord's greatness. Prior victories over enemies and the preservation of city walls and defenses attest to His loyal, persistent love for the city. Notes about assembled kings fleeing may refer to the miraculous rescue of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20), where Israel didn't even need to fight to see her enemies flee. This psalm echoes themes found in Psalms 46 and 47, as well as the concept of passing along these truths to successive generations, as seen in Psalm 44:1–3.
