Ps 48:1
48:1 <<{a} A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> Great
     [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the {b} city of
     our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

     (a) Some put this difference between a song and psalm,
         saying that it is called a song when there is no
         instrument but the voice, and the song of the psalm is
         when the instruments begin and the voice follows.
     (b) Even though God shows his wonders through all the
         world, yet he will be chiefly praised in his Church.

Ps 48:2
48:2 Beautiful for situation, the {c} joy of the whole earth,
     [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of
     the great King.

     (c) Because the word of salvation came there to all who
         would believe.

Ps 48:3
48:3 God is known in her palaces for a {d} refuge.

     (d) Unless God is the defence of it, neither situation nor
         munition can prevail.

Ps 48:4
48:4 For, lo, the kings were {e} assembled, they passed by
     together.

     (e) They conspired and went against God's people.

Ps 48:5
48:5 They saw [{f} it, and] so they marvelled; they were
     troubled, [and] hasted away.

     (f) The enemies were afraid at the sight of the city.

Ps 48:7
48:7 Thou breakest the ships {g} of Tarshish with an east wind.

     (g) That is, of Cilicia or of the Mediterranean sea.

Ps 48:8
48:8 As we have {h} 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.

     (h) That is, of our fathers: so have we proved: or God has
         performed his promise.

Ps 48:10
48:10 According to thy name, O God, so [is] thy praise unto the
      ends of the {i} earth: thy right hand is full of
      righteousness.

      (i) In all places where your Name will be heard of, men
          will praise you when they hear of your marvellous
          works.

Ps 48:11
48:11 Let {k} mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be
      glad, because of thy judgments.

      (k) Let Jerusalem and the cities of Judea rejoice, for
          your just judgments against your enemies.

Ps 48:12
48:12 {l} Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the
      towers thereof.

      (l) For in this outward defence and strength God's
          blessings also appeared, but the chief is to be
          referred to God's favour and secret defence, who never
          leaves his.