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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 48, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
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. {for: or, of}
Psalms 48:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 48:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
Psalms 48:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
Psalms 48:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 They saw {it, and} so they marvelled; they were troubled, {and} hasted away.
Psalms 48:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 Fear took hold upon them there, {and} pain, as of a woman in travail.
Psalms 48:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
Psalms 48:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 48:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
Psalms 48:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 According to thy name, O God, so {is} thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
Psalms 48:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
Psalms 48:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Psalms 48:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell {it} to the generation following. {Mark...: Heb. Set your heart to} {consider: or, raise up}
Psalms 48:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14 For this God {is} our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide {even} unto death.
Psalms 48:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.