“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, His holy mountain.” (v.1) The psalmist exalts the Lord’s supreme majesty, noting that His greatness demands abundant praise. The phrase “in the city of our God” (v.1) indicates a specific place of worship and communion with the divine presence. Historically, this city points to Jerusalem, a strategic location in the Judean hills that King David made the capital of Israel around 1003 BC. Jerusalem sat at the heart of God’s covenant people, where the temple would later be built by King Solomon, David’s son, in approximately 957 BC. The mention of “His holy mountain” (v.1) underscores Jerusalem’s sacred significance as both a physical and spiritual epicenter for Israel’s worship.
“In the city of our God” (v.1) reminds believers that the Lord establishes places of refuge and devotion for His people. This psalm resonates with the broader scriptural pattern of God choosing to dwell among His people, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (references such as John 1:14, Revelation 21:2-3). The believers can look toward the Lord’s holiness and sovereignty, as they recognize that a relationship with Him is not confined to geography but also echoes God’s redeeming work in the hearts of His followers.
God’s greatness and glory are displayed when His people gather to honor Him—a truth that holds relevance for all generations. This verse challenges each of us to recognize the Lord’s unmatched worthiness of praise and to pursue intimate fellowship with Him.
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Psalms 48:1 meaning
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, His holy mountain.” (v.1) The psalmist exalts the Lord’s supreme majesty, noting that His greatness demands abundant praise. The phrase “in the city of our God” (v.1) indicates a specific place of worship and communion with the divine presence. Historically, this city points to Jerusalem, a strategic location in the Judean hills that King David made the capital of Israel around 1003 BC. Jerusalem sat at the heart of God’s covenant people, where the temple would later be built by King Solomon, David’s son, in approximately 957 BC. The mention of “His holy mountain” (v.1) underscores Jerusalem’s sacred significance as both a physical and spiritual epicenter for Israel’s worship.
“In the city of our God” (v.1) reminds believers that the Lord establishes places of refuge and devotion for His people. This psalm resonates with the broader scriptural pattern of God choosing to dwell among His people, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (references such as John 1:14, Revelation 21:2-3). The believers can look toward the Lord’s holiness and sovereignty, as they recognize that a relationship with Him is not confined to geography but also echoes God’s redeeming work in the hearts of His followers.
God’s greatness and glory are displayed when His people gather to honor Him—a truth that holds relevance for all generations. This verse challenges each of us to recognize the Lord’s unmatched worthiness of praise and to pursue intimate fellowship with Him.