Psalm 48:1-14
Q.1. What made Mount Zion special? To whom is Zion special? What impact does Zion have on the surrounding nations? Why will it always be special? – (Ps.48:1-8)
Jerusalem was situated on Mount Zion – the city of God, His holy mountain … the city of the great king (Ps.48:1-2). It is surely not the most beautiful place, or the joy of the whole earth today. There are many more beautiful places and cities on earth. However, to the Psalmist, one of the sons of Korah, it was wonderful because of what it represented to him. It was the city of which God had told Solomon – I have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice (2 Chron.7:12 c.f. Dt.12:5). It was the place where David had taken the Ark of the Covenant – which is called by the Name, the very name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim (2 Sam.6:2 c.f. Ex.25:22). It was the centre to where Israelites were expected to gather on at least at three of the seven festivals (c.f. Ex.23:14-17; Lev.23:1-43). To the surrounding nations, Mount Zion was an impregnable stronghold that could be defended, so caused alarm to Israel’s opponents (Ps.48:3-6). God’s people felt safe since – in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish her forever (Ps.48:8). This Psalm is prophetic because we know that Mount Zion will be elevated above all the cities on earth forever and will be the place from which King Jesus will teach the nations (c.f. Isa.2:2-5; Mic.4:1-7). Then it will undoubtedly be – beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth … the city of the great King (Ps.48:2).
Q.2. Why is God to be greatly praised? How did Zion distinguish itself? What is the point of thinking about Zion? Should this include the Gentiles? Why? – (Ps.48:1, 9-14)
This Psalm is not just a tribute to a city or its temple. It is a song that praises the God Who dwells there. The Psalmist noted – Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised … As is Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness … because of Your judgments (Ps.48:1, 10-11). It is only when God is present, that this place is special. During Solomon’s time, the city, palace, and temple were magnificently adorned until It was destroyed (Ps.48:12-13 c.f. 1 Kgs.6:1-38; Lk.21:5). Korah did not want this place to be forgotten. He urged people to – … tell it to the next generation. For such is God, our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death (Ps.48:13-14). The plans that God has for Mount Zion relate to Israel in this age and the one to come. The question arises as to whether or not Mount Zion has any relevance for believers. Unlike Israel which has an earthly territory, the Christian’s citizenship is in Heaven (Phil.3:20-21). However, the New Testament makes it clear that Israel and the Gentiles are inseparably linked under the eternal plans and purpose of God (Rom.11:11-36; Eph.2:11-22; 3:1-12). We should follow with interest what is happening to Israel because our future in the Millennial Kingdom will not occur till the Lord has completed His purpose for that nation.