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 her forever. Selah As we have heardThis phrase suggests a continuity of tradition and testimony. The Hebrew root for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and obeying. In the context of ancient Israel, oral tradition was vital for preserving history and God's promises. This phrase underscores the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's deeds and faithfulness through generations, reinforcing the communal memory of God's interventions and blessings. so we have seen
The transition from hearing to seeing indicates a movement from faith to experience. The Hebrew word for "seen" is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), which means to perceive or understand. This suggests that the people of God have not only heard of His mighty works but have also witnessed them firsthand. It emphasizes the reliability of God's promises, as what was once heard in faith is now confirmed by sight, strengthening the believers' trust in God's active presence in their lives. in the city of the LORD of Hosts
This phrase refers to Jerusalem, often called the city of God. The term "LORD of Hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) highlights God's sovereignty and power as the commander of heavenly armies. Historically, Jerusalem was the center of worship and the location of the Temple, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. This phrase reassures believers of God's protection and presence in their midst, as Jerusalem stands as a testament to His enduring covenant with Israel. in the city of our God
Reiterating the significance of Jerusalem, this phrase personalizes the relationship between God and His people. By calling it "our God," the psalmist emphasizes a personal and communal bond with the divine. This reflects the covenant relationship where God is not just a distant deity but an intimate protector and provider for His people. The city serves as a physical reminder of God's promises and His faithfulness to His chosen ones. God will establish her forever
This declaration of divine assurance speaks to the eternal nature of God's promises. The Hebrew root for "establish" is "כוּן" (kun), meaning to set up, make firm, or secure. This conveys the idea that God's plans and purposes for Jerusalem are unshakeable and eternal. Historically, despite the city's trials and tribulations, this promise offers hope and assurance of God's ultimate plan for His people. It inspires believers to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises, regardless of present circumstances. Persons / Places / Events 1. City of the LORD of HostsThis refers to Jerusalem, often seen as the spiritual and political center of Israel, representing God's presence and protection. 2. City of our GodAnother reference to Jerusalem, emphasizing its divine significance and the special relationship between God and His chosen city. 3. LORD of HostsA title for God that highlights His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority. 4. God's EstablishmentThe act of God securing and sustaining Jerusalem, symbolizing His eternal covenant and faithfulness to His people. 5. SelahA term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude, inviting the reader to meditate on the preceding message. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessJust as God established Jerusalem, He is faithful to establish His promises in our lives. We can trust in His unchanging nature. Divine ProtectionThe imagery of God as the LORD of Hosts assures us of His protection. In times of trouble, we can rely on His strength and sovereignty. Eternal PerspectiveThe promise of God establishing His city forever encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on His kingdom rather than temporary earthly concerns. Reflective PauseThe use of "Selah" invites us to pause and reflect on God's works and promises. Taking time to meditate on His Word can deepen our understanding and faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of Jerusalem as the "city of the LORD of Hosts" enhance your understanding of God's relationship with His people? 2. In what ways can you see God's faithfulness in your own life, similar to His establishment of Jerusalem? 3. How does the concept of God as the "LORD of Hosts" provide comfort and assurance in your current circumstances? 4. What practical steps can you take to maintain an eternal perspective in your daily life? 5. How can the practice of pausing to reflect on God's Word, as suggested by "Selah," impact your spiritual growth and understanding? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 46This psalm also speaks of God's protection and presence in Jerusalem, reinforcing the theme of divine security. Isaiah 2:2-4These verses describe the future exaltation of Jerusalem and the peace that will flow from it, aligning with the idea of God establishing His city forever. Revelation 21:2-3The New Jerusalem is depicted as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to establish His city, where He will dwell with His people eternally. People Korah, Psalmist, TarshishPlaces JerusalemTopics Age, Armies, Ears, Establish, Establishes, Fixed, Forever, Hosts, Makes, Secure, Selah, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 48:8 5511 safety
5890 insecurity
8666 praise, manner and methods Psalm 48:1-14 7271 Zion, as symbol Library A Song of Deliverance
'Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. 2. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. 3. God is known in her palaces for a refuge. 4. For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together. 5. They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. 6. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail. 7. Thou breakest …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Mystery
Of the Two Witnesses prophesying in Sackcloth. Two witnesses or prophets sent by God, clothed in sackcloth, are to preach, while the Gentiles are treading under foot the court of the people of God, or the holy city. These are the interpreters and assertors of Divine truth, who should deplore that foul and lamentable contamination of the Church of Christ, by continual complaints, and whom God would raise up as unceasing monitors to the Christian world, committing whoredom with the Gentiles, and as …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with the Creator's Disposition. Many Quotations Out of the Old Testament in Proof of This.
"In the like manner," says He, [3982] "did their fathers unto the prophets." What a turncoat [3983] is Marcion's Christ! Now the destroyer, now the advocate of the prophets! He destroyed them as their rival, by converting their disciples; he took up their cause as their friend, by stigmatizing [3984] their persecutors. But, [3985] in as far as the defence of the prophets could not be consistent in the Christ of Marcion, who came to destroy them; in so far is it becoming to the Creator's Christ that …
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion But I Marvel, If, as it is Allowed to Put Away a Wife Who...
7. But I marvel, if, as it is allowed to put away a wife who is an adulteress, so it be allowed, having put her away, to marry another. For holy Scripture causes a hard knot in this matter, in that the Apostle says, that, by commandment of the Lord, the wife ought not to depart from her husband, but, in case she shall have departed, to remain unmarried, or to be reconciled to her husband; [1950] whereas surely she ought not to depart and remain unmarried, save from an husband that is an adulterer, …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
[Sidenote: 1140, October] 42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship, and after a prosperous voyage landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might receive the first benefit.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them. …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux.
[Sidenote: 1148, May (?)] 67. (30). Being asked once, in what place, if a choice were given him, he would prefer to spend his last day--for on this subject the brothers used to ask one another what place each would select for himself--he hesitated, and made no reply. But when they insisted, he said, "If I take my departure hence[821] I shall do so nowhere more gladly than whence I may rise together with our Apostle"[822]--he referred to St. Patrick; "but if it behoves me to make a pilgrimage, and …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
'Then Isaiah the son of Amos sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. 21. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Eternity of Heaven's Happiness.
Having endeavored, in the foregoing pages, to form to ourselves some idea of the glorious happiness reserved for us in heaven, there still remains to say something of its crowning glory--the eternity of its duration. This is not only its crowning glory, but it is, moreover, an essential constituent of that unspeakable joy which now inebriates the souls of the blessed. A moment's reflection will make this evident. Let us suppose, for the sake of illustration, that on the last day, God should thus …
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven Epistle ii. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch.
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Gregory to Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch. I have received the letters of your most sweet Blessedness, which flowed with tears for words. For I saw in them a cloud flying aloft as clouds do; but, though it carried with it a darkness of sorrow, I could not easily discover at its commencement whence it came or whither it was going, since by reason of the darkness I speak of I did not fully understand its origin. Yet it becomes you, most holy ones, ever to recall …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 48:8 NIVPsalm 48:8 NLTPsalm 48:8 ESVPsalm 48:8 NASBPsalm 48:8 KJV
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