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Day 68

Psalm 48:2b "The joy of the whole earth..." Psalm 48:2b"

Day 68 – Psalm 48

“The joy of the whole earth…” Psalm 48:2b” Psalm 48:2b

THE STRONGHOLD OF THE JEBUSITES

Jerusalem was once the stronghold of the Jebusites. They boasted of the strength of their city and taunted David in his attempt to conquer the city with these words.

“You shall not come in here; but the blind and the
lame will repel you.”
2 Samuel 5:6

David conquered the city and called it “The city of David” (2 Samuel 5:9). He made Jerusalem the capital of Israel.

DELIGHTING IN THE NATURAL GEOGRAPHICAL TERRAIN OF JERUSALEM

The Jebusites called their city “The stronghold of Zion”. The name “Zion” in time took on a different meaning from its original usage. The following text added to its meaning.

“Beautiful in elevation,
The joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King.”
Psalm 48:2

1. “Beautiful in elevation”

a) Zion was situated on a mountain.
b) It may indeed be called Mount Zion.
c) There were steep cliffs surrounding the city (East, South and West).
d) It was a very well protected city and thus “beautiful” ( from a military standpoint).

2. “Mount Zion on the sides of the North”

a) The natural access to the city was from the North.
b) The city was chosen by David because it offered a strong natural defence.
c) It was the city that he had chosen to dwell in.
d) To all who loved Israel, Jerusalem was “the joy of the whole earth”.