Your name, O God, like Your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness. Your name, O GodThe phrase "Your name, O God," emphasizes the significance of God's name, which in Hebrew is often represented by the Tetragrammaton, YHWH. This name is considered sacred and is a representation of God's eternal and unchanging nature. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a name was more than just a label; it encapsulated the essence and character of the person. Thus, invoking God's name is a call to recognize His holiness, sovereignty, and the covenant relationship He has with His people. The reverence for God's name is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, underscoring the importance of worship and the acknowledgment of His divine attributes. reaches to the ends of the earth
This phrase speaks to the omnipresence and universal sovereignty of God. The Hebrew word for "earth" (אֶרֶץ, erets) can refer to the land, the earth, or the world, indicating that God's influence and authority extend beyond the boundaries of Israel to encompass all creation. Historically, this would have been a profound statement in a time when many nations worshiped localized deities. The psalmist is declaring that the God of Israel is not limited by geography or culture; His renown and power are recognized globally. This universal reach of God's name is a testament to His majesty and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed. Your right hand is full of righteousness
The "right hand" in biblical literature often symbolizes strength, power, and authority. In the ancient world, the right hand was associated with skill and honor. The phrase "full of righteousness" indicates that God's actions and judgments are just and morally perfect. The Hebrew word for righteousness (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) conveys the idea of justice, fairness, and ethical integrity. This imagery reassures believers that God's power is exercised in accordance with His righteous character. Historically, this would have been a source of comfort and hope for the Israelites, affirming that despite the challenges they faced, God's governance was just and His plans were ultimately for their good. This assurance of divine righteousness is a cornerstone of faith, encouraging believers to trust in God's perfect will and timing. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, whose name and praise are exalted. 2. ZionWhile not mentioned directly in this verse, Psalm 48 is a song of Zion, celebrating God's presence and protection over Jerusalem. 3. The EarthRepresents the scope of God's renown and righteousness, extending globally. 4. The Right Hand of GodSymbolizes God's power and authority, often associated with His acts of salvation and justice. 5. The PsalmistTraditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who composed this psalm as a song of praise. Teaching Points The Universality of God's Name and PraiseGod's name and praise are not confined to a single location or people but are meant to be recognized and revered worldwide. The Righteousness of God's Right HandGod's actions are characterized by righteousness, and His power is always exercised in justice and truth. The Call to Spread God's RenownBelievers are called to participate in making God's name known to the ends of the earth through evangelism and righteous living. The Assurance of God's Sovereign RuleThe imagery of God's right hand assures us of His control and righteous governance over all creation. Worship as a Response to God's GreatnessOur response to the knowledge of God's name and righteousness should be one of worship and adoration, acknowledging His supreme authority. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the global reach of God's name and praise in Psalm 48:10 challenge us in our personal evangelism efforts? 2. In what ways can we reflect the righteousness of God's right hand in our daily lives? 3. How does understanding the universality of God's praise influence our perspective on missions and outreach? 4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that God's name is hallowed in our homes and communities? 5. How do the themes of God's sovereignty and righteousness in Psalm 48:10 provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 72:19This verse also speaks of God's glory filling the whole earth, emphasizing the universal recognition of His majesty. Isaiah 11:9Describes a future where the earth is filled with the knowledge of the Lord, similar to the reach of God's name and praise in Psalm 48:10. Matthew 6:9In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to hallow God's name, aligning with the reverence shown in Psalm 48:10. Philippians 2:9-11Paul speaks of the exaltation of Jesus' name, which is above every name, echoing the theme of God's name reaching the ends of the earth. Revelation 15:4Highlights the universal worship of God, where all nations will come and worship before Him, reflecting the global reach of His praise. People Korah, Psalmist, TarshishPlaces JerusalemTopics Ends, Filled, Full, O, Praise, Reaches, Righteousness, VictoryDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 48:10 1125 God, righteousness
1270 right hand of God Psalm 48:1-14 7271 Zion, as symbol Psalm 48:9-10 8662 meditation Library A Song of Deliverance
'Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. 2. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. 3. God is known in her palaces for a refuge. 4. For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together. 5. They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. 6. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail. 7. Thou breakest …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Mystery
Of the Two Witnesses prophesying in Sackcloth. Two witnesses or prophets sent by God, clothed in sackcloth, are to preach, while the Gentiles are treading under foot the court of the people of God, or the holy city. These are the interpreters and assertors of Divine truth, who should deplore that foul and lamentable contamination of the Church of Christ, by continual complaints, and whom God would raise up as unceasing monitors to the Christian world, committing whoredom with the Gentiles, and as …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with the Creator's Disposition. Many Quotations Out of the Old Testament in Proof of This.
"In the like manner," says He, [3982] "did their fathers unto the prophets." What a turncoat [3983] is Marcion's Christ! Now the destroyer, now the advocate of the prophets! He destroyed them as their rival, by converting their disciples; he took up their cause as their friend, by stigmatizing [3984] their persecutors. But, [3985] in as far as the defence of the prophets could not be consistent in the Christ of Marcion, who came to destroy them; in so far is it becoming to the Creator's Christ that …
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion But I Marvel, If, as it is Allowed to Put Away a Wife Who...
7. But I marvel, if, as it is allowed to put away a wife who is an adulteress, so it be allowed, having put her away, to marry another. For holy Scripture causes a hard knot in this matter, in that the Apostle says, that, by commandment of the Lord, the wife ought not to depart from her husband, but, in case she shall have departed, to remain unmarried, or to be reconciled to her husband; [1950] whereas surely she ought not to depart and remain unmarried, save from an husband that is an adulterer, …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
[Sidenote: 1140, October] 42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship, and after a prosperous voyage landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might receive the first benefit.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them. …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux.
[Sidenote: 1148, May (?)] 67. (30). Being asked once, in what place, if a choice were given him, he would prefer to spend his last day--for on this subject the brothers used to ask one another what place each would select for himself--he hesitated, and made no reply. But when they insisted, he said, "If I take my departure hence[821] I shall do so nowhere more gladly than whence I may rise together with our Apostle"[822]--he referred to St. Patrick; "but if it behoves me to make a pilgrimage, and …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
'Then Isaiah the son of Amos sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. 21. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of Love to God
I proceed to the second general branch of the text. The persons interested in this privilege. They are lovers of God. "All things work together for good, to them that love God." Despisers and haters of God have no lot or part in this privilege. It is children's bread, it belongs only to them that love God. Because love is the very heart and spirit of religion, I shall the more fully treat upon this; and for the further discussion of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to God. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Eternity of Heaven's Happiness.
Having endeavored, in the foregoing pages, to form to ourselves some idea of the glorious happiness reserved for us in heaven, there still remains to say something of its crowning glory--the eternity of its duration. This is not only its crowning glory, but it is, moreover, an essential constituent of that unspeakable joy which now inebriates the souls of the blessed. A moment's reflection will make this evident. Let us suppose, for the sake of illustration, that on the last day, God should thus …
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven Epistle ii. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch.
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Gregory to Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch. I have received the letters of your most sweet Blessedness, which flowed with tears for words. For I saw in them a cloud flying aloft as clouds do; but, though it carried with it a darkness of sorrow, I could not easily discover at its commencement whence it came or whither it was going, since by reason of the darkness I speak of I did not fully understand its origin. Yet it becomes you, most holy ones, ever to recall …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 48:10 NIVPsalm 48:10 NLTPsalm 48:10 ESVPsalm 48:10 NASBPsalm 48:10 KJV
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