What does Psalm 48:14 mean?

The psalmist wanted those who walked around Jerusalem to tell the next generation what they saw (Psalm 48:13). Past victories were proof the Lord was miraculously protecting the city (2 Kings 19; 2 Chronicles 20). These stories needed to be told to each age group (Psalm 44:1–3) so they would trust God's plans. More importantly, so they would know to credit the Lord, not their own power, for any success they might have.

God had led the people of Israel safely through the desert by the shekinah glory cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). He had led them to victory in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:7–9; 9:6–8; Joshua 12:1–6), and He had led them to establish Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 11:4–8).

Psalm 18:30 affirms that God's way is perfect. God still leads His people. Christians can trust Him to guide them as they face important decisions (James 1:5–8). Proverbs 3:5–7 tells believers to resist the tendency to rely on their own wisdom but rather to trust God with every aspect of their lives, trusting Him to show them the best way to live (James 3:17–18).