Psalm 48:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah

NIV: As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the Lord Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever.

NASB: Just as we have heard, so have we seen In the city of the Lord of armies, in the city of our God; God will establish her forever. Selah

CSB: Just as we heard, so we have seen in the city of the Lord of Armies, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever. Selah

NLT: We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves — the city of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever. Interlude

KJV: As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.

NKJV: As we have heard, So we have seen In the city of the Lord of hosts, In the city of our God: God will establish it forever. Selah

The words of this verse appear as if spoken by travelers on their way to Jerusalem (Psalm 48:9). The psalm has praised God's glory and power, using the city as a living example (Psalm 48:1–7). This included references to miraculous victories over attacking enemies. The psalmist depicts people observing the city, and thinking on these events, realizing how special the city is. Jerusalem is described here as "the city of the LORD of hosts." This title for God implies His authority as the commander of heaven's armies. He controls a great host of angels and fights for His people.

Likewise, the text recognizes that God owns Jerusalem, and has no intent of letting it be destroyed entirely. At the end of the tribulation, ungodly nations marshaled by Satan will encompass Jerusalem, but the city's God will destroy with fire those who want to destroy the city (Revelation 20:7–9). Today, believers comprise part of the Lord's Church. Like Jerusalem, the Church cannot be destroyed. Jesus said, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).

The Hebrew term se'lāh suggests a pause or reflection.

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.