Psalm 48 5

Psalm 48:5 kjv

They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.

Psalm 48:5 nkjv

They saw it, and so they marveled; They were troubled, they hastened away.

Psalm 48:5 niv

they saw her and were astounded; they fled in terror.

Psalm 48:5 esv

As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight.

Psalm 48:5 nlt

But when they saw it, they were stunned;
they were terrified and ran away.

Psalm 48 verses

Psalm 48 5 Meaning

Psalm 48:5 vividly describes the dramatic, overwhelming defeat of kings who arrayed themselves against Zion, God's city. Upon witnessing the manifest power and presence of the Most High, these invading leaders were struck with profound astonishment and terror, causing them to panic and flee in chaotic haste without even engaging in battle. The verse underscores God's immediate and decisive defense of His holy dwelling place and people, rendering human might utterly powerless against Him.

Psalm 48 5 Context

h2Psalm 48 is a communal song of praise, extolling God for His protection of Zion, Jerusalem. The psalm opens by declaring God's greatness and His dwelling in Zion (vv. 1-3). Verses 4-8 describe a historical or typical scenario where enemy kings unite to attack Jerusalem but are miraculously defeated, not through human warfare, but by God's manifest presence causing terror and immediate retreat. This particular verse, Psalm 48:5, forms the climax of this sudden encounter, highlighting the invaders' psychological collapse. It celebrates the impregnable nature of God's city due to His divine presence and intervention, which causes overwhelming dismay and flight among its would-be destroyers. This triumph serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His unfailing faithfulness to His chosen city and people, likely referencing historical deliverances such as Sennacherib's defeat (2 Kings 19) while also carrying eschatological implications for the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. It stood in stark contrast to pagan beliefs, where deities were often defeated or cities succumbed to enemy forces; Yahweh demonstrated His unique and incomparable power as the one true God who perfectly protects His people.

Psalm 48 5 Word analysis

h2

• They: Refers to "the kings" mentioned in Psalm 48:4, implying a confederation or coalition of rulers. This highlights the united strength of human opposition rendered futile.
• saw it: Hebrew: rā’âh (רָאָה). More than just a casual glance, this term signifies to perceive, discern, comprehend, or experience. The "it" likely refers to the manifest power of God, His glorious presence (Shekinah), or the unexpected defense of the city by an unseen hand. They did not just physically see Jerusalem, but perceived God's invincible might, an active demonstration rather than mere passive observation.
• and so they marveled: Hebrew: tāmâh (תָמַהּ). This denotes profound astonishment, awe, wonder, or utter bewilderment, often bordering on dread. It's a reaction to something unexpected, beyond human comprehension or expectation, indicative of supernatural intervention. Their plans were overturned not by military force, but by an unquantifiable display of divine power.
• They were terrified: Hebrew: bāhālu (בָּהֲלוּ). This word signifies to be dismayed, greatly alarmed, confused, agitated, or put into sudden panic. It speaks to an internal state of utter distress and loss of composure, an overwhelming psychological defeat that precedes physical flight. It reflects the realization of encountering something immensely superior and unassailable.
• they fled in haste: Hebrew: nikhpāzū (נִחְפְּזוּ). This implies a rapid, urgent, and often disorderly retreat, driven by panic and confusion. It's not a strategic withdrawal but a chaotic, desperate flight for survival, highlighting their utter collapse and rout without a conventional battle taking place.

Word-Group Analysis

• "They saw it, and so they marveled; They were terrified, they fled in haste.": This entire clause is a powerful dramatic progression. It depicts a swift and total psychological and physical collapse of formidable enemies in the face of God's unseen, overwhelming power. From initial perception ("saw") to cognitive shock ("marveled"), then emotional distress ("terrified"), culminating in physical rout ("fled in haste"). This sequence demonstrates the futility of human defiance against divine sovereignty, illustrating that God's mere presence or action is enough to achieve victory without traditional conflict.

Psalm 48 5 Bonus section

h2

• The described event in Psalm 48:5 serves as an object lesson for all nations throughout history: any opposition against God's city (His people or kingdom) will invariably result in their own undoing, demonstrating God's consistent defense.
• This verse sets a paradigm of "divine dread" or "panic of God" (פַּחַד יְהוָה - paḥad YHWH), where the fear and terror originate directly from God's presence or actions, rather than conventional military might. This supernatural panic leads to their self-destructive retreat.
• The Psalmists frequently contrast human plotting with divine nullification, showcasing God's active involvement in frustrating the schemes of the wicked. This particular verse shows it most succinctly: their elaborate plans and assembled might crumble instantly, often without a sword drawn, solely by God's presence.
• The concept of God's residence in Zion (verse 3) makes it "beautiful in its elevation, the joy of the whole earth." This holiness and beauty act as an inherent, active defense mechanism, deterring or crushing enemies simply by its nature as God's chosen dwelling.

Psalm 48 5 Commentary

h2Psalm 48:5 masterfully portrays God's effortless triumph over formidable earthly powers, establishing Zion's inviolability not through human strength but divine intervention. The verse serves as a succinct narrative arc: a mighty confederation of kings saw something extraordinary – God's tangible presence or a supernatural defense. This vision led to instant marveling, a state of utter shock at the unexpected demonstration of power. Astonishment swiftly turned to terror, an incapacitating fear, as they recognized the insurmountable nature of their foe, culminating in immediate and disorganized flight. This sequence emphasizes God's unique ability to render human might obsolete, showcasing His unparalleled sovereignty over nations. The lesson extends beyond historical events, speaking to the enduring reality that opposition to God's purposes will ultimately fail, defeated by His mere appearance or word, transforming anticipated conquest into unexpected rout.