Psalm 48 (47):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord has firmly entrenched it for the beauty of the whole universe, establishing Jerusalem as the beacon for the nations, where those seeking joy, radiance, and wisdom could learn what was essential. The prophet deliberately used the term ‘well-rooted’ rather than simply ‘rooting’ to emphasize this stability. If we consider these words metaphorically, their truth is evident in action. From Jerusalem emanated comfort for the cosmos, joy and gladness, springs of wisdom, the crucifixion of Christ, and the apostles' mission: “from Zion shall the law come forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Micah 4:2). This joy has eternal roots. "The mountains of Zion, the north sides, the city of the King Great!" Another translator refers to these as "mountains of Zion, thighs of the north." In Hebrew, it denotes "mount Zion, in the northern country." Why does the prophet reference the north and indicate its location? Historically, incursions against the Jews frequently originated from that direction, particularly from barbarian invasions, often termed ‘the northern war’ by the prophets, who likened it to “a boiling cauldron blown by the wind, and its face on the side of the north” (Jer. 1:13). In the context of Palestine, the land of the Persians lies to the north. The prophet, in awe of past events, affirms that the Lord has rendered Palestine invulnerable from that direction, despite frequent assaults. It’s akin to saying of a body that the weakest part has been made the strongest; thus, the prophet conveys that what once brought cries and sorrow, as well as calamities, is now filled with joy and prosperity. Where there were threats, fears, and dangers, there is now joy and gladness, and the northern regions, once associated with dread, now inspire no fear or suspicion, for all exult in the joy that God has established.

This mountain merges two mountains, creating one dwelling and yet two, with their differentiation arising from their separate origins, yet unified through the Cornerstone where they are brought together.

Listen as well to the mountains of Zion: the northern regions are the city of the great King. Consider the Gentiles; the northern regions are now connected to the city of the great King. The North typically stands in contrast to Zion, which is situated in the South; thus the North is at odds with the South. Who embodies the North but He who proclaimed, I will sit upon the sides of the North, I will be like the Most High? (Isaiah 14:13-14) The enemy held sway over the unrighteous, claiming nations that honored idols and worshipped demons; consequently, everything within humanity linked to him became representative of the North.

However, since He who binds the strong man can seize his belongings (Matthew 12:29) and render them His own, individuals freed from unfaithfulness and demonic superstition, who put their faith in Christ, have aligned themselves with that city. They reached the wall at the corner, associated with circumcision, creating the city of the great King, which resides on the northern side. Therefore, it is further stated in Scripture, From the North come clouds of golden hue: great is the glory and honor of the Almighty. (Job 37:22) The glory of the healer is profound, especially when a man who despaired is restored to health. The clouds that emerge from the North are not dark, nor are they low-hanging cloudy masses, but instead radiate a golden brilliance. How can this be except by the grace of illumination through Christ? Observe, the northern sides represent the city of the great King.

The foundation of Zion is uniquely represented by its northern side, which the Psalmist highlights with the phrase "the ribs of the north." Instead of merely stating "the northern side," he uses the metaphor of "the ribs of the north." Paul embodies these ribs of the north, from whom all the trials and tribulations of the earth have emerged; yet, he has now transformed into a part of the mountains of Zion, through whom Christ speaks, having come from Zion to remove sin from Jacob. This city belongs to the great King. These northern ribs, or those of the Gentiles, may be likened to hail, showcasing God as their protector, saving them from adversity.

For it is written, From the north, evil shall be kindled against all who dwell on the earth (Jeremiah 1:14); and again, I will remove the north from you (Joel 2:20). The blessed Apostle refers to the spiritual city as Zion; for he proclaims, ‘Come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem’ (Heb. 12:22). Just as mountains can shield the city from the cold north winds, the Apostles and Prophets, along with their teachings, and also the angels assigned to believers, serve a similar protective function. For it is proclaimed, The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them (Psalm 33:8).

From this place, joy has radiated throughout the world. Thus, joy and cheerfulness abound; here lies the source of every discipline, the site of Christ's crucifixion, from which the apostles swiftly emerged. The mountains of Zion represent the supporting structure of the north, the stronghold of the Great King! What is perceived at my side, akin to a rib, may be referred to as my rib since its side is turned toward me. Yet, as the mountain is also Zion (Jerusalem), it does not stand upright but is slightly tilted toward the north wind (for the wind does not blow directly into Jerusalem but from the side). Hence, the description of Jerusalem’s mountain in relation to the ribs of the north: "O mountains of Zion, which incline towards the north, therefore leaning with their ribs, the city of the Great King!" The exiled Jewish people proclaimed the mountains and the city of Jerusalem with exuberance. He refers to Mount Zion in the plural—mountains—consistent with the Hebrew language's tendency to use plurals in place of singulars. He designates God as the Great King, as the city of Jerusalem is solely dedicated to Him. When elevated to a higher understanding, these words should be interpreted as follows: sacred scripture often identifies the adversary with the north, indicating his coldness, as well as the fact that Babylon, which enslaves Jerusalem, lies to the north; this is why Jeremiah states, "From the face of the north shall calamities arise upon all the inhabitants of the earth" (Jer. 1:14), and Joel declares, "And he that cometh from the north shall be taken away from you" (Joel 2:20). The ribs of the adversary symbolize his cohorts, the nations. Thus, the Psalm informs us that those nations which were once under the adversary’s dominion transformed into the mountains of Zion, signifying their elevation above the worldly temptations as well as their courage and nobility. But I assert that the nations did not merely become the frameworks of the Church; they themselves formed the city of Christ, as Christ’s Church is constituted by the nations. According to some accounts, Jerusalem was built upon four mountains: the first being Zion, located to the south of the city; the second, Acra, to the north; the third, Torah, to the east; and the fourth, Bezephah, which slopes to the west. Some contend that the law given by Moses decreed that the lamb be slain on the side of the altar, directed toward the north. This imagery indicates that following Christ’s sacrifice in Judea, He would turn His attention to the northern nations, reaching out to them, in accordance with the Psalm that says, "His eyes shall look upon the nations." Theodoret observes that the mountains that face the north, which protect the city from harm, aptly represent the apostles, prophets, and their diverse teachings, as well as the angels assigned to the faithful.

Instead, it is significant because the promise of salvation emerged from this city, serving as the source of life and divine grace for all nations. The phrase relating to Mount Zion in the northern regions, or as translated, Mount Zion, the ribs of the north, celebrates the merits of Mount Zion, whose position, despite facing north, did not detract from its splendor. For this reason, the prophet Isaiah extols this mountain above all others; in Isaiah 14:13, speaking through Sennacherib, he declares: I will ascend above the clouds, I will sit upon the high mountain which is to the north.