What does Psalm 48:3 mean?
The residents of ancient Jerusalem knew they could trust in the Lord. He was the security even for those who lived in the city's palaces. He proved He was their "fortress:" their protection. Psalm 9:9 assures the Lord's people that "the LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." The same passage acknowledges that He has not forsaken those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).God certainly demonstrated His power to protect Jerusalem during incidents recorded in the Bible. He destroyed an Assyrian army that had laid siege to the city (2 Kings 19). He thwarted the combined forces of several nations who attacked the city (2 Chronicles 20) without Israel needing to fight at all. Those moments may have inspired this very psalm, including the descriptions of victory which follow (Psalm 48:4–9).
The Lord is just as much a place of assurance for Christians. Jesus promised, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:28–29). The security Jesus gives endures forever.
