Today’s reading: Psalm 48
The authors of Psalm 48 were the Sons of Korah, otherwise known as the temple assistants. Kind of like Shelly started yesterday’s post with the words of a worship song, I see the 14 verses of Psalm 48 as lyrics to a song that the Sons of Korah sang to praise God as they carried out their duties.
Verses 1-8 praise God’s powerful actions by describing:
- His holy city (Mount Zion, or Jerusalem, where the temple was located); Jerusalem was regarded as the center of God’s presence in the world
- Him as the powerful defender of his city, of whom other kings were afraid
- Him as the protector of his city and its inhabitants, for whom he will make it safe forever
Verses 9-11 praise God’s perfect character by describing:
- His unfailing love
- His name as deserving of praise
- His justice
Verses 12-13 praise God by describing evidence of his protection:
- Count the many towers
- Note the fortified walls
- Tour the citadels
Verse 14 closes by confirming God’s likeness to the descriptions in the previous verses, and declaring him as the God who will guide our ways forever.
While I don’t know a hymn or worship song that is specific to Psalm 48, the hymn that found myself singing as I read this scripture and prepared for this post was Praise to the Lord, the Almighty. I encourage you to meditate on the words of this hymn with me today –
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation. Oh my soul praise him for he is my hope and salvation. All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near. Join me in glad adoration (Joachim Neander, 1680).