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t first blush, one might deduce that this psalm is about
Jerusalem. And, in a way, that would
certainly be true. But, notice the
object of the first 2 phrases. "Great
is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God..." God is being praised, not the city
itself. If He were not in it, blessing
it... the city would be nothing of value to speak of. The reason for Jerusalem's importance and
reputation is found in Psalm 48:3, "God
is known in her palaces..." Paul said in I Corinthians 15:34, "Some have not the knowledge of
God..." and, what a tragedy that is!
But, in the day when this song (Psalm 48) was written, God was known in
Jerusalem, therefore she was blessed.
And, not only was God known, but He was constantly and consistently
living up to His reputation there (Psalm 48:8 & 10).
Now, you may take issue with the statement that
God was "living up to His reputation" in the days of David. Doesn't He always live up to His
reputation? Well, surprisingly, the
answer is a resounding "No!"
Not that there is any shortcoming or inadequacy in Him. We know He is impeccably perfect. However, sometimes His reputation is skewed
by misinformation. For example, there
have been many preachers and teachers in modern times who have espoused a
conception of God that presents Him as all-generous-love-with-a-grandfatherly-predictability. An oversimplification of this false gospel
might sound something like this: "If we will live for God, then He will certainly
make us healthy, wealthy and wise."
Well, even a cursory study of the Bible will demonstrate that such a
view is grossly inaccurate. So, when
God's reputation is inaccurate, His character keeps Him from living in
accordance with man's expectations.
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