Background to Psalms 48

James Holt is a talented artist who draws through the Bible a chapter at a time. His work is posted on Scripture Sketches on Tumblr. This is his inspiring pictorial representation of Psalm 48 and his summary of its content.

Consider doing something similar if you have an artistic bent.

Psalm  48 - O Jerusalem

Big Idea:

• The psalmist calls us to praise God, “Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise”
• He says that Jerusalem is God’s city, “He has shown himself to be her fortress.”
• Kings who try to attack Jerusalem fail, “They fled in terror… You destroyed them.”
• God protects His city, “God makes her secure forever.”
• God’s people connect with Him in His Temple, “We meditate on your unfailing love.”
• The psalmist asks the reader to admire the city, “Count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels.”
• “This God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”

Jesus:

• The Psalmist calls Zion “the City of the Great King.” Jesus also calls Jerusalem “the City of the Great King.”
• The psalmist tells the reader to admire the architecture of the city. But when Jesus’ disciples did so, He told them it wouldn’t last.