Psalms 48:1 « A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah. » Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.
A Psalm and Song for the sons of Korah] When and by whom compiled we certainly know not. If by David, probably it was upon occasion of the Philistines coming up to seek him, but were sent away back with shame and loss, 2 Samuel 5:7; 2 Samuel 5:9. If upon the slaughter of Sennacherib's army by an angel, Isaiah or some other prophet of those times (as there were many) might be the penman. It seemeth to be of the same time and occasion with Psalms 76:1,12
Ver. 1. Great is the Lord] Greater, Job 33:12, greatest of all, Psalms 95:3, greatness itself, Psalms 145:3. A degree he is above the superlative.
And greatly to be praised] No mean praises can be meet for so great a majesty. It must be modus sine modo (Bern.).
In the city of our God] i.e. In the Church; for others will not, cannot do it to divine acceptation. Galen (lib. 3, de usu part.), amazed at the wonderful frame of man's body, sang a hymn to the Maker thereof, but yet he lived and died a Pagan.