Ancient Jerusalem was a typical fortified settlement, situated on the steep slopes of Mount Zion. It was not the strategic military position that made the difference but God’s presence with his people (vs 2,3,7,8). Like the layers of a Russian doll, the city surrounded the Temple, and the Temple held the Most Holy Place which contained the Ark of the Covenant. And God had promised to live with his people, enthroned above the Ark of the Covenant (see also Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89). God’s presence brought security (v 8) and delight (v 9). 

It would have been easy to sing this song when God defeated their enemies (vs 4–7; 2 Kings 19:32–36). However, there was soul-searching, doubt and mourning when the city and Temple were later destroyed. How were God’s people to make sense of verses 8, 9, 10 and 14 when they stood among the ruins? How do we keep hold of the truths of God’s love and righteousness (vs 9,10) when life crumbles around us? Maybe Revelation 21 holds the key: God has designed a safe city where we will live with our Great King. Where everyone (the nations, the city, the villages) will marvel at his unfailing love (v 9).  

Invite the Spirit of God to fill your heart once again with the praise of God. ‘Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.’¹

This psalm invites us to revel in the protection and provision of God. The opening and closing sections reflect on the beauty of what God has done for and among his people, expressed in extravagant terms – Zion (Jerusalem) is breathtaking in its beauty, its elevation over the coastal plains, its fortifications. When we encounter the wonder of what God has done, there is sometimes nothing more to be done than to drink it in.

The central section gives us reasons for this wonder – and, as with the preceding psalms, there is a powerful mix of nationalism and universalism. It is clear that this is the God of Israel, the Lord; he is a warrior for Israel as the ‘Lord of hosts’ (v 8, AV), the armies of Israel; and he has utterly defeated the enemies of Israel. Yet this is not a naked exercise of power – it comes from God’s nature as someone who is characterised by his steadfast love and kindness to Israel (the term hesed, ‘steadfast’ or ‘unfailing’ love in v 9). It comes, too, from his justice and righteousness; the term tsedeq in verse 10 is used to describe scales that weigh accurately and fairly. God defends Israel not out of bias, but out of a commitment to fairness, defending the weak against the strong. 

We now read this psalm with a new perspective. God’s praise ‘reaches to the ends of the earth’ (v 10) because people from every tribe, language, people and nation have been grafted into his people.² His righteousness has led to the offer of life to all people.³ Our enemies are not flesh and blood;⁴ the city and Temple in which we praise God is the body of believers in Jesus, whose praise will reach perfection in the new Jerusalem.

What have you recently learnt about God that causes your heart to sing? How might you express that in praise for yourself – and for others to join in?

¹ Ps 51:15  ² Rev 7:9  ³ Rom 3:22  ⁴ Eph 6:12