A.M. 2981. B.C. 1023.
The author of this Psalm is not known, nor the particular time when it was composed. Most commentators infer from its contents, that it was made on the occasion of some providential deliverance which God had given to the city of Jerusalem, when it was violently attacked, or threatened, at least, by some very powerful and confederate enemies. “If all things else would agree,” says Bishop Patrick, “it might not unfitly be applied to the defeating Sennacherib's army, which actually begirt that city, but, by a sudden pestilence, that in one night killed a vast number, was forced to quit the siege with shame, 2 Kings 18:19. But the fourth verse of this Psalm speaks of a combination of kings, who had joined their forces together upon this design.” He therefore thinks it most applicable to the deliverance granted them in Jehoshaphat's time, when Moab, Ammon, and they of mount Seir, came against him. But Mudge thinks it refers to the ineffectual attempt of Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, king of Israel; and that the prophecy of Isaiah, Chapter s 7., 8., confirms this idea. Some, however, are of opinion, that the Psalm is as old as the time of David, because it is evident that when it was made, mount Sion, the chief subject of it, was in the highest reputation; whereas, that mount was not much regarded after the ark had been some time removed from thence. Be this as it may; on whatever occasion the Psalm was composed, it is very applicable to the gospel church, of which Jerusalem, or mount Sion was a type, especially when that church shall be in its triumphant state. We have here,
(1,) The glory and excellence of the church, Psalms 48:1-3. Which God preserves from her enemies, Psalms 48:4-8. God is praised for this, Psalms 48:9; Psalms 48:10. Who effectually provides for its safety, Psalms 48:11-14.