Holy Place of Praise
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1 (A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.) 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 the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
8 As we have 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.
9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
11 Let Mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Holy Place of Praise
In Psalm 48, David directs everyone to the specific place where the one true God can be found. It is in the city of Jerusalem where all can come to praise and worship the mighty God of Israel. “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God,” David begins. This city is the joy of the whole earth. David describes its splendor. Jerusalem is known in her palaces for being a refuge like a sanctuary city; strangers and wanderers throughout the land know they can find help and peace in this sacred place. Even kings passing by the city marvelled at the magnificence of the temple of God. They ran away in fear.
David declares that God will establish this city of our God forever. He reflects on how God’s people have thought of His lovingkindness as they worshipped in His temple. His name is above all others and His praise shall be unto the ends of the earth. God’s right hand is full of righteousness. David commands Mount Zion to rejoice and be glad because of God’s judgments. He is a just ruler. David speaks proudly with his invitation for all to walk about Zion. For this God is our God forever and ever. He ends by consecrating his very life to this great God who is our guide.
One of the great wonders of the ancient world must have been the temple of God in Jerusalem. Even today, millions aspire to visit this holy place. Psalm 48 vividly expresses the elaborate architecture built with the purpose of a habitation for God and His people to unite in praise. Even if I never make it to this great city, I thank God that Jesus said to the woman at the well that one day we will worship God in a temple not made with hands. Today, I can worship my amazing God in spirit and in truth. God says He inhabits the praises of His people. So where we are gathered together in joyful praise, He is there amongst us. Hallelujah.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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