What does "count her towers" teach about God's protection over His people? Setting the Scene Psalm 48 is a song of celebration for Zion—the earthly city that images God’s heavenly rule. Verses 12-13 invite the worshiper to stroll around Jerusalem, take a long look at every rampart, and “count her towers.” “Go around Zion, encircle her; count her towers, consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation.” (Psalm 48:12-13) What Does “Count Her Towers” Mean? • Towers were watchposts and defensive structures. To “count” them is to number, inspect, and admire each solid proof of security. • By encouraging the faithful to study these fortifications, the psalmist is really directing attention to God Himself—the true Guardian who planned, built, and maintains every line of defense. • Taking inventory builds confidence. Seeing the walls with one’s own eyes sweeps away fear and fuels praise (Psalm 48:1-3). Lessons About God’s Protection • Protection that can be verified – Just as ancient Jerusalem’s towers could be touched and measured, God’s saving acts are concrete. Think of the Red Sea (Exodus 14), Jericho’s walls (Joshua 6), and the empty tomb (Luke 24:1-6). • Protection that surrounds completely – “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 125:2) • Protection that is continual – Watchtowers imply vigilance day and night. Likewise, “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4) • Protection that is impregnable – God Himself is “a refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) • Protection that invites testimony – The purpose of the tour is “that you may tell the next generation” (Psalm 48:13). Believers are stewards of stories that prove God’s reliability (Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Psalm 78:4). Practical Takeaways Today • Walk around the “city” of God’s promises—open Scripture and “count” the safeguards He has already set in place (2 Peter 1:3-4). • Trace His past deliverances in your own life; each answered prayer is another tower on the skyline. • When anxiety rises, picture Psalm 48’s walls and remember that “the name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10) • Pass along the evidence. Recount to children, friends, and fellow believers the many ways God has proven Himself a fortress. Doing so extends the peace of Zion to a new generation. |
    |