Psa 48:4-8 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 4. For, lo, the kings were assembled ] Many of the neighbouring potentates, at different times, envied the prosperity of the Jewish nation, and coveted the riches of the temple; but they had no power against it till the cup of Jewish transgression was full. In vain did they assemble -confederate, and invade the land. Saw it -reconnoitered the place; marvelled at its excellence and strength, for they were troubled -struck with fear; hasted away for fear of destruction, for fear took hold on them as pains seize on a woman in travail . Those who came to destroy were glad to make their own escape.

‏ Psalms 48:4-8

Verse 4. For, lo, the kings were assembled] Many of the neighbouring potentates, at different times, envied the prosperity of the Jewish nation, and coveted the riches of the temple; but they had no power against it till the cup of Jewish transgression was full. In vain did they assemble-confederate, and invade the land. Saw it-reconnoitered the place; marvelled at its excellence and strength, for they were troubled-struck with fear; hasted away for fear of destruction, for fear took hold on them as pains seize on a woman in travail. Those who came to destroy were glad to make their own escape.

Verse 7. Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish] Calmet thinks this may refer to the discomfiture of Cambyses, who came to destroy the land of Judea. "This is apparently," says he, "the same tempest which struck dismay into the land-forces of Cambyses, and wrecked his fleet which was on the coasts of the Mediterranean sea, opposite to his army near the port of Acco, or the Ptolemais; for Cambyses had his quarters at Ecbatana, at the foot of Mount Carmel; and his army was encamped in the valley of Jezreel." Ships of Tarshish he conjectures to have been large stout vessels, capable of making the voyage of Tarsus, in Cilicia.

Verse 8. As we have heard, so have we seen] Our fathers have declared what mighty works thou didst in their time; and we have seen the same. God has often interposed and afforded us a most miraculous defence. So it was when they were invaded by the Assyrians, Syrians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians and the Greeks under Alexander.

The city of the Lord of hosts] His hosts defended the city, and it was known to be the City of the great King.

God will establish it for ever.] This must refer to the true temple, the Christian Church, of which the Jewish Church was a type. The type perished, but the antitype remained, and will remain till time shall be no more.

Selah.] So be it; and so it will be for evermore.