Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible « Prev
Chapter 48 Next »    1. to be praised—always: it is an epithet,
as in Ps 18:3.  mountain of his holiness—His Church (compare Isa
2:2, 3; 25:6, 7, 10); the sanctuary was erected first on Mount
Zion, then (as the temple) on Moriah; hence the figure.  2, 3.
situation—literally, "elevation."  joy of, &c.—source of joy.
sides of the north—poetically for eminent, lofty, distinguished,
as the ancients believed the north to be the highest part of the
earth (compare Isa 14:13).  3. palaces—literally, "citadels."
refuge—(Ps 9:10; 18:3). He was so known in them because they
enjoyed His presence.  4-6. For—The reason is given. Though the
kings (perhaps of Moab and Ammon, compare Ps 83:3-5) combined, a
conviction of God's presence with His people, evinced by the
unusual courage with which the prophets (compare 2Ch 20:12-20)
had inspired them, seized on their minds, and smitten with
sudden and intense alarm, they fled astonished.  7. ships of
Tarshish—as engag