Psalm 48:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight.

NIV: they saw her and were astounded; they fled in terror.

NASB: They saw it, then they were amazed; They were terrified, they fled in a hurry.

CSB: They looked and froze with fear; they fled in terror.

NLT: But when they saw it, they were stunned; they were terrified and ran away.

KJV: They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.

NKJV: They saw it, and so they marveled; They were troubled, they hastened away.

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.

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 10:34:28 AM