Psalm 48:8-11 Boasting of God's Glory

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17; cf Jeremiah 9:23-24). The Sons of Korah give us a great example of this in Psalm 48, which we started studying a few days ago. If you missed the first two lessons, please check them out before continuing. Otherwise…

Please read Psalm 48:8-11.

Now that the battle described in verses 4-8 has died down, the psalmist takes a minute to reflect on what he has seen and heard “in the city of our God.” This seems to indicate that the psalmist was an eyewitness to the battle, perhaps from the king’s own court. He was likely present when the enemies laid siege to Jerusalem, praying fervently for God to deliver them. In the heat of the battle, there is little to think about other than pleading with God for protection. However, now that the battle has died down, the psalmist has time to reflect on what just happened.

“We have thought on your steadfast love, O God” indicates a sense of meditation. The psalmist did not simply witness the events and then move on to the next thing, even though there was surely much to do. After the battle is the clean-up: tending to the wounded, repairing damage done to the city, restoring the peace within the city, etc. But, even with a busy to-do list, the psalmist takes the time to meditate on what just happened. When we take the time to reflect on what God has done, we too will be led to worship Him through boasting of His steadfast love!

God is great. His name alone is indescribable—so powerful and holy that His people refused to even speak it for fear of speaking it with the wrong heart (taking God’s name in vain). While people around the world may not know the revealed name of God, all people are born with an innate knowledge of Him. Unfortunately, they suppress that knowledge in unrighteousness and refuse to honor Him as God (Romans 1:18-21). But, try as they might to deny Him, all people know that God exists.

The psalmist uses this basic knowledge as the impetus of his plea in verse 10: “as your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.” Sadly, God is not praised as He should be. All people know of Him, but few give Him the praise that He deserves. This ought not to be the case! Though we can do nothing about other peoples’ treatment of God, we can change our own actions.

The psalmist, meditating on God’s love, is in awe. Why are more people not praising His holy name!?!? He turns to the other citizens of God’s holy city and cries “Let Mount Zion be glad!” Sure, we just fought in a battle, but God delivered us! Let’s praise Him and give Him the glory that He deserves! The whole world should be shouting His praises; since they aren’t, let’s starting shouting right here and now! God is great, and He is worthy to be praised! Let us boast in Him!

If we would take some more time to meditate on the nature and character of God, then we too would boast a little more strongly of His glory.