Psalm 48:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers,

NIV: Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers,

NASB: Walk around Zion and encircle her; Count her towers;

CSB: Go around Zion, encircle it; count its towers,

NLT: Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers.

KJV: Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

NKJV: Walk about Zion, And go all around her. Count her towers;

Perhaps the psalmist is addressing the travelers who reached Jerusalem and worshiped at the temple (Psalm 48:8–9). Or, this may be directed at the people of the city, poetically called "daughters of Judah" (Psalm 48:11). In either case, the writer points to the city's defensive structures which are intact (Psalm 48:13). Despite threats from massive armies (2 Kings 19) and the combined efforts of many nations (2 Chronicles 20), Jerusalem was intact thanks to the power of God (Psalm 48:1–7). Isaiah 33:18 seems to be a taunt, asking, "Where is he who counted the towers?" This refers to the scouts of Sennacherib, king of the army that failed to besiege the city.

In the ancient world, walls and other defensive measures were crucial parts of a city's existence. Years after the writing of this psalm, after Nehemiah led a post-exilic delegation back to Jerusalem, he and his workers finished rebuilding the city's walls. Then, he formed two processions with choirs and musicians to inspect the wall by walking around on top of it. After seeing that the wall was strong, everyone rejoiced and offered sacrifices (Nehemiah 12:31–43).

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.

Like Psalm 47, this psalm celebrates the Lord's deliverance of Jerusalem. This might refer to the defeat of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19) or the miraculous rout of an enemy coalition (2 Chronicles 20). The focus of the psalm is on Jerusalem as a living example of God's love and power. This shares themes with Psalms 46 and 47. Phrasing in certain verses resembles text found in Isaiah (Isaiah 33:14, 18, 21, 22). The "Sons of Korah" appear to be descendants of those who survived God's judgment during the exodus (Numbers 16:25–32; 26:9–11) and were especially connected to the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:19–21:).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.