Psalm 48 was written by the sons of Korah, just like several other psalms that we find throughout the book of Psalms. The sons of Korah occupy a very interesting place in biblical history, since their lineage reminds us that God is a God of grace and restoration. Korah himself rebelled against God, yet generations later, his descendants were entrusted with composing hymns of praise that exalted the holiness, greatness, and faithfulness of the Lord. This psalm, in particular, explains the greatness of God and expresses deep joy in exalting Him. For this reason, many scholars understand Psalm 48 as a psalm of joy, celebration, and confident praise dedicated entirely to God.
Psalm 48 is not merely a poetic reflection; it is a theological declaration. It presents God as العظيم, great and exalted, and it places Him at the very center of the life of His people. The psalmist does not begin by describing human emotions or circumstances, but by proclaiming who God is. This teaches us something important: true worship always begins with God, not with us. Joy in worship is not rooted in favorable conditions, but in the unchanging greatness of the Lord.
The people of Israel, and particularly the sons of Korah, had many reasons to worship God and give Him praise. They had witnessed God’s protection, provision, and covenant faithfulness throughout generations. They had seen enemies defeated, cities preserved, and promises fulfilled. God was not an abstract idea for them; He was a living reality who dwelt among His people. In the same way, we also have many reasons to worship God today. From the moment He granted us salvation, He has continually shown His goodness to us, not only in spiritual blessings, but also in His daily care for our lives. Truly, God has been good to us.
The psalmist declares:
1 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.
Psalm 48:1–3
The opening words of this psalm are powerful: “Great is the Lord.” This statement alone could sustain a lifetime of meditation. The greatness of God is one of the central themes of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. From the very beginning, we see God’s greatness displayed in creation. With a word, He brought the universe into existence. He formed the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all that inhabits them. Such creative power reveals a God who is incomparable, sovereign, and majestic.
Throughout the Bible, God’s greatness is revealed not only in creation, but also in His mighty acts. He delivered Israel from Egypt with signs and wonders. He parted the Red Sea, fed His people in the wilderness, and brought them into the Promised Land. He raised up kings and brought down empires. Every page of Scripture testifies that there is no one like the Lord. His greatness is not theoretical; it is demonstrated through history and through personal experience.
The psalmist goes further by saying that God is “greatly to be praised.” The word “greatly” is significant. It reminds us that casual or indifferent worship is inconsistent with the greatness of God. If God is truly great, then He deserves praise that reflects that greatness. While it is true that human beings are limited and imperfect in their praise, the call of Scripture is to offer God our best, our whole hearts, and our deepest reverence.
There is no way for finite creatures to fully express infinite glory, yet God invites us to praise Him anyway. This is an act of grace. Our praise does not add anything to God, but it transforms us. When we praise God for His greatness, our perspective changes. Our problems shrink, our fears lose their grip, and our hearts are lifted above temporary concerns.
The psalm also speaks of the “city of our God” and “the mountain of His holiness,” referring to Mount Zion and Jerusalem. For Israel, Zion was more than a geographical location; it was a symbol of God’s presence and covenant faithfulness. It represented the place where God dwelt among His people. Calling Zion “the joy of the whole earth” highlights the idea that God’s presence is the true source of joy, not only for Israel, but ultimately for all nations.
Verse three tells us that “God is known in her palaces for a refuge.” This is a profound truth. God is not only great in power, but also near in protection. He is not a distant deity, but a refuge for His people. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as a safe place in times of trouble, a stronghold in moments of fear, and a shelter in the storm. His greatness does not make Him inaccessible; it makes Him trustworthy.
For believers today, this truth remains just as relevant. God is still our refuge. In a world filled with uncertainty, instability, and fear, we can find security in Him. His greatness assures us that nothing is beyond His control. His faithfulness assures us that He will not abandon His people. This combination of greatness and nearness is what makes God worthy of praise.
When we reflect on all that God has done for us personally, our hearts should naturally be moved to worship. Think about the gift of salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and the hope of eternal life. Think about God’s patience, His mercy, and His constant presence in our lives. Even in difficult seasons, God remains faithful, working all things together for the good of those who love Him.
The psalmist’s call to praise challenges us to examine our own worship. Do we praise God only when things go well, or do we praise Him because He is great, regardless of circumstances? True worship is rooted in who God is, not in how we feel. When we understand His greatness, praise becomes a response of gratitude, humility, and awe.
By His greatness and by all His mighty works, God is worthy of praise in a great way. Even though we are small and limited, we are invited to lift our voices, our hearts, and our lives in worship. Praise is not confined to songs or church gatherings; it is a way of living that acknowledges God’s supremacy in all things.
Therefore, take time to reflect on everything God has done for you. Remember His faithfulness in the past, trust Him in the present, and hope in His promises for the future. Let Psalm 48 remind you that the Lord is truly great and greatly to be praised. May your life be a testimony to His greatness, and may your worship flow naturally from a heart that recognizes who He is.