Jerusalem

Psalm 48

Go in to any library and you will be able to find in the nonfiction area books on famous or important big cities.  Online tourist sites abound with tours of the famous and historic cities of Europe, the U.S., or East Asia. Many people, myself included, keep a mental list of cities they would love to visit if they had the time and money to do so.  Our psalm today tells of a city that was beloved by the psalmist, and he believes, by God as well That city was Jerusalem.

In Old Testament times, Jerusalem was the city seen as where God had set His earthly presence in the world (vs. 2).  Jerusalem was where King David set up his capital, and it was there that God set the site for the Temple. Jesus visited and taught in Jerusalem on several occasions during His earthly ministry, and it was right outside the city walls where He shed His Blood in sacrifice for the sins of the world.  Believers will gather in the last days in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2). It will be the spiritual home of all believers, where God will live among them (Revelation 21:2-3).

Throughout the psalm we read of “Zion” and also “Mount Zion”.  Zion is another name that Jerusalem has often been called. Mount Zion is one of several hills in the city, and sometimes referred to the whole city.  Though the psalmist’s love for Jerusalem is evident, he was not calling upon the people to praise the city itself. Rather, he was calling upon them to praise God, who had selected Jerusalem to be His city, and where His Temple was located.

Reading through this psalm we see in verse 8 where it says that God will establish His city, Jerusalem, forever.  This is not referring to earthly Jerusalem, but instead to the New Jerusalem, which we read of in the Book of Revelation, where God will live with all believers.  As we know through history, the city of Jerusalem has been destroyed several times. When Jesus returns, and sets up His earthly capital, He will rebuild a New Jerusalem, which will be established forever.  In verses 4-7, we see how enemies had come to destroy Jerusalem and the God of Mt. Zion. However the God of Zion is powerful, and He always destroys those who fight against Him.

The psalmist speaks in verses 12 - 13 of the people going around the city, giving what would seem to be an inspection of the buildings and walls.  After a battle, an ancient city would go around and inspect the city’s walls and defenses. After a spiritual battle we need to inspect our spiritual defenses, as well.  Is our foundation sure? How about our faith in God, knowledge of His Word, and prayer? As believers, we need to praise God for His protection of us, no matter where we are.

As our psalm closes, we read where the psalmist is thankful that God is His guide (vs. 14).  When traveling, we use maps of different types, and sometimes also use a guide. Maps give us landmarks and directions, and a guide is a companion with intimate knowledge of where we are going.  God has given us both a map and a guide for our life. The Bible is the map, as it shows us where to go, with landmarks and directions. The Holy Spirit is our companion and guide. We need to make sure we use both map and guide throughout our life.

God’s presence is our joy, security and salvation.  He is our defender and guide, even to death. Even if everyone else abandons us in life, Jesus will remain with us to the end (Matthew 28:20).