Psalm 48: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 48 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh is greatly praised in the city of God, Mount Zion, which is beautiful and elevated (vv. 1-2). God is a refuge shown in the city's strong citadels.

Key verse

“Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.”
Psalms 48:1 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 48:1–2 Praise for Yahweh's Greatness
Psalm 48:3–5 Zion's Strength Revealed
Psalm 48:6–7 Fear of the Nations
Psalm 48:8–10 God's Establishment of Zion
Psalm 48:11–13 Call to Rejoice and Reflect
Psalm 48:14 God's Eternal Guidance

Discussion questions

In v2, what is described as 'the joy of the whole earth'?
What happens to the kings in v5 when they see the city?
The phrase 'your loving kindness' in v9: how does this connect to the overall theme of the psalm?
In v14, why is it significant that 'this God is our God forever and ever'?
When have you felt God's guidance similar to how 'he will be our guide' in v14?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 48: Isaiah 58, Psalm 73, Psalm 46.

Before next time: read Psalm 49.