48:1(a A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah.) Great
[is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the b city of
our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.
(a) Some put this difference between a song and psalm,
saying that it is called a song when there is no
instrument but the voice, and the song of the psalm is
when the instruments begin and the voice follows.
(b) Even though God shows his wonders through all the
world, yet he will be chiefly praised in his Church.
48:2 Beautiful for situation, the c joy of the whole earth,
[is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of
the great King.
(c) Because the word of salvation came there to all who
would believe.
48:3 God is known in her palaces for a d refuge.
(d) Unless God is the defence of it, neither situation nor
munition can prevail.
48:4 For, lo, the kings were e assembled, they passed by
together.
(e) They conspired and went against God's people.
48:5 They saw [f it, and] so they marvelled; they were
troubled, [and] hasted away.
(f) The enemies were afraid at the sight of the city.
48:7 Thou breakest the ships g of Tarshish with an east wind.
(g) That is, of Cilicia or of the Mediterranean sea.
48:8 As we have h 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.
(h) That is, of our fathers: so have we proved: or God has
performed his promise.
48:10 According to thy name, O God, so [is] thy praise unto the
ends of the i earth: thy right hand is full of
righteousness.
(i) In all places where your Name will be heard of, men
will praise you when they hear of your marvellous
works.
48:11 Let k mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be
glad, because of thy judgments.
(k) Let Jerusalem and the cities of Judea rejoice, for
your just judgments against your enemies.
48:12l Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the
towers thereof.
(l) For in this outward defence and strength God's
blessings also appeared, but the chief is to be
referred to God's favour and secret defence, who never
leaves his.
