Fathers

Psalms 48

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Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in his holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the north sides, the city of the great King. God has shown himself in her citadels as a refuge. For, behold, the kings assembled themselves, they passed by together. They saw it, then they were amazed. They were dismayed. They hurried away. Trembling took hold of them there, pain, as of a woman in travail. With the east wind, you break the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so we have seen, in the city of Yahweh of Armies, in the city of our God. God will establish it forever. We have thought about your loving kindness, God, in the middle of your temple. As is your name, God, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments. Walk about Zion, and go around her. Number its towers. Notice her bulwarks. Consider her palaces, that you may tell it to the next generation. For this God is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide even to death.

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What the Fathers say

Psalms 48:13

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

"Set your hearts upon her might." Not that ye may have the form of godliness, deny the power thereof, but, "upon her might set your hearts. Speak ye in her towers." What is the might of this city? Whoso would understand the might of this city, let him understand the force of love. That is a virtue which none conquereth. Love's flame no waves of the world, no streams of temptation, extinguish. …

ON THE PSALMS - Psalm 48 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

As to the second, he says, "Set your hearts upon its strength." Jerome has, "Set your heart upon its ramparts." And this is the power of the Holy Spirit, who protects this city: Lk. 24: "Stay in the city until you are clothed with power." This power is love: Song 8: "Love is strong as death." As to the third, he says, "And distribute its houses." Jerome has, "Separate its houses, distinguish its palaces." Distinguish, namely by right judgment. For there are some who, on account of a few bad people, wish to condemn the whole Church. …

Exposition on the Psalms of David ↗