What does Psalm 48:9 mean?

While praising God for His miraculous rescue of Jerusalem (Psalm 48:1–7), the psalmist speaks from the perspective of those visiting the city and seeing the temple (Psalm 48:8). The occasion for this praise might be the defeat of several armies who attacked Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20). Or it may be the miraculous obliteration of the Assyrian army led by Sennacherib (2 Kings 19). Either event would invoke the idea of God's eternal love for His people.

This verse is one of many appearances of the Hebrew term chesed, which refers to a loyal, constant, enduring love (Exodus 34:6; Ruth 1:8; Psalm 33:18). The same term is sometimes rendered as "lovingkindness" or related terms. Addressing the people of Israel, the Lord affirms, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you" (Jeremiah 31:3).

Certainly, Israel did nothing to deserve God's steadfast love. Even patriarchs such as Abraham and Jacob were unfaithful to Him at times. After the exodus from Egypt, their descendants sinned and continued to sin. As a result of Israel's failure to observe the Sabbaths and her embracing idolatry, God disciplined her by taking her into captivity. Nevertheless, He still loved Israel and planned to restore her in her homeland (Jeremiah 29:11). Christians, too, live under the umbrella of God's unfailing love (1 John 3:1), and should love Him in return (1 John 4:19).