Panic seized them there, Anguish, as of a woman in childbirth (v.6). This dramatic line depicts how the enemies of the LORD—those who sought to oppose Him and His people—are thrown into terror and pain when they encounter God’s power. The psalmist uses a strong simile—“as of a woman in childbirth”—to emphasize the suddenness and intensity of this turmoil.
Psalm 48 praises the city of Zion (Jerusalem), which is described as “the city of the great King” (v.2). Geographically, Mount Zion is situated in the heart of Jerusalem. During Old Testament times, this city was regarded as the special dwelling place of the LORD among His people. Kings of the earth viewing Zion might have once approached with pride, but they flee when they behold the LORD’s might at work in guarding His city. In verse 6, the decisive power of God shakes them with such panic that their courage dissolves. By referencing childbirth, the psalmist highlights how overwhelming this divine intervention truly is. The enemies are not just defeated—they are terrified, broken by an unstoppable, visceral fear. The city that once looked vulnerable is seen instead as a fortress guarded by the sovereign God.
This verse further assures the faithful that the LORD’s protection and presence are enough to defend against any threat. As the panic of the nations stands in stark contrast to the trust of the people of God, believers can rest in the knowledge that God is for them. This set of circumstances also foreshadows how Jesus, the ultimate King, provides deliverance for all who trust in Him. The same God who protected Zion is the God who rescues His people, often in ways that leave His enemies astounded and overwhelmed.
God humiliates those who oppose Him with such certainty that they will experience sudden anguish.
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Psalms 48:6 meaning
Panic seized them there, Anguish, as of a woman in childbirth (v.6). This dramatic line depicts how the enemies of the LORD—those who sought to oppose Him and His people—are thrown into terror and pain when they encounter God’s power. The psalmist uses a strong simile—“as of a woman in childbirth”—to emphasize the suddenness and intensity of this turmoil.
Psalm 48 praises the city of Zion (Jerusalem), which is described as “the city of the great King” (v.2). Geographically, Mount Zion is situated in the heart of Jerusalem. During Old Testament times, this city was regarded as the special dwelling place of the LORD among His people. Kings of the earth viewing Zion might have once approached with pride, but they flee when they behold the LORD’s might at work in guarding His city. In verse 6, the decisive power of God shakes them with such panic that their courage dissolves. By referencing childbirth, the psalmist highlights how overwhelming this divine intervention truly is. The enemies are not just defeated—they are terrified, broken by an unstoppable, visceral fear. The city that once looked vulnerable is seen instead as a fortress guarded by the sovereign God.
This verse further assures the faithful that the LORD’s protection and presence are enough to defend against any threat. As the panic of the nations stands in stark contrast to the trust of the people of God, believers can rest in the knowledge that God is for them. This set of circumstances also foreshadows how Jesus, the ultimate King, provides deliverance for all who trust in Him. The same God who protected Zion is the God who rescues His people, often in ways that leave His enemies astounded and overwhelmed.
God humiliates those who oppose Him with such certainty that they will experience sudden anguish.