Psalm 48:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.

NIV: You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish shattered by an east wind.

NASB: With the east wind You smash the ships of Tarshish.

CSB: as you wrecked the ships of Tarshish with the east wind.

NLT: You destroyed them like the mighty ships of Tarshish shattered by a powerful east wind.

KJV: Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

NKJV: As when You break the ships of Tarshish With an east wind.

This psalm uses Jerusalem as a real-world example of God's miraculous power and glory (Psalm 48:1–3). That includes mention of enemies being dramatically defeated (Psalm 48:4–6).

The reference to "ships of Tarshish" might be entirely symbolic. Every language has familiar metaphors for strength and power. The Bible often refers to the "cedars of Lebanon" in such a context (Psalm 29:5; 92:12; Isaiah 2:13). The imagery of fine ships (Isaiah 2:16) being wrecked by an even more powerful wind speaks to the overwhelming power of God against Israel's enemies. It's unlikely that ships would be used in any meaningful assault on Jerusalem since it is far from the shore.

Familiar symbolism also appears in references to the east wind. It was notorious for causing sudden destruction. Job 27:21 refers to the east wind as carrying away a wicked rich man. Jonah 4:8 mentions that God appointed a scorching east wind to beat down on Jonah's head. As a result, Jonah was faint. Ezekiel 27:25 portrays the ships of Tarshish as carrying cargo from many countries and cities. Addressing the ships, this verse says, "So you were filled and heavily laden in the heart of the seas." However, tragedy struck. "Your rowers have brought you out into the high seas. The east wind has wrecked you in the heart of the seas" (Ezekiel 27:26).

The exact location of Tarshish is unknown. Bible geographers have speculated it was in Spain, Tunisia, or Phoenicia.

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.

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.