Psalm 48. Divine Companionship

"When we came to the city of our God, the mountain where he lives, we saw the city of the Lord Almighty, and it took our breath away! God has shown that he defends this city forever." (Psalm 48:8)

The surrounding nations of Israel tremble with fear when they see Mount Zion, just as ships are destroyed by the east wind. However, Israel rejoices on Mount Zion. Mount Zion is just a mountain of the small nation of Israel, but it has become a great and secure mountain due to one reason alone: God is with Mount Zion.

Mount Zion is great because of the greatness of God. Mount Zion becomes a holy mountain because of God. Neither Mount Zion nor Israel can shine on their own like the sun; they only reflect the sunlight like the moon. The value of Mount Zion and Israel is determined by God's presence with them. Therefore, understanding "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy" (Leviticus 19:2) in terms of purity or ethics is secondary. The primary interpretation is that of God's promise: his presence with them. Mount Zion and Israel are where God is present. The duration of his presence is "forever." That's why the poet can only give thanks and praise. Let us praise along with the poet.