A celebration of the absolute security of the city of God.
Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-2
st. 2 = vv. 3-8
st. 3 = vv. 9-10
st. 4 = vv. 11-13a
st. 5 = vv. 13-14
Traditionally associated with the Levitical "Sons of Korah," this celebration song matches the exuberant faith of Psalm 46 (see also 76, 84, 87, 122, 125, and 137). In the post-exilic liturgy of the temple, this psalm was sung at the time of the morning sacrifice on the second day of the week. Because the LORD
Almighty is present in Zion, that hill's rather modest height is likened to Mount Zaphon (North Mountain), the Mount Olympus where the Canaanite gods supposedly sat in counsel. Jerusalem, unlike the imperial capitals of Egypt and Mesopotamia, was no grand city. But her walls and citadels are impregnable because "the Great King" lives there. And in Jerusalem's temple "we meditate on [God's] unfailing love" (v. 9).
In this psalm we proclaim the greatness of the LORD and the glory of his city (st. 1), extol God's triumphs over Zion's enemies and his people's sense of security (st. 2), and praise the LORD's love, grace, and righteousness (st. 3). Zion rejoices in its King and in the ramparts God maintains (st. 4). The psalmist exhorts the people to let succeeding generations know Zion will not fail-for God, the unfailing guide, is present there [by his Word and Spirit] (st. 5).
Emily R. Brink (PHH 158) versified stanza 1, and Bert Witvoet (PHH 4) versified stanza 2; stanzas 3 through 5 (with some alterations) are from The Book of Psalms (1871), a text-only psalter that was later published with music in 1887.
Liturgical Use:
Beginning of worship; various points in festive services (including church anniversaries), since the New Testament temple is the whole people of God.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988
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