The Lord had protected his people from an invasion involving several armies (v. 4). Among them were the ships of Tarshish, perhaps transporting troops or supplies (v. 7). It certainly seems to have been a large force, no doubt confident of victory. But they had not taken the God of Israel into their thoughts. But soon they were forced to pay attention because the Lord sent a ferocious storm that brought their invasion to an end, as they were confronted by what he had at his disposal - the power of creation (vv. 6-7). Instead of celebrating a victory, they fled in panic (v. 5).
The consequence was that great praise was made in Zion to the Lord. His people had seen his deliverance with their own eyes (vv. 3, 8). The place of seemingly certain defeat had become the place of divine triumph. They had witnessed the faithfulness of God and they focussed on that aspect as they worshipped him in the temple (v. 9). After all, it was his city, the place where he had chosen to dwell. His faithfulness gave them confidence for the future (v. 8).
They loved the city of God because it was there that they could meet with him. His presence made it a holy location, far surpassing in beauty anywhere else on earth. Real joy could be found in this city because it was his city, the place of his exploits. There the inhabitants had seen the actions of the Lord, actions that revealed he is a great God deserving great praise for his help that he had shown (vv. 1-3).
The news of this dramatic divine intervention on behalf of his people would soon spread around the world as other nations heard about the incredible way in which the Lord had displayed his faithfulness (v. 10). We should not be surprised at this - after all the Queen of Sheba travelled a long distance to Jerusalem because she had heard in her own land what people were saying about the God of Israel. Sometimes he does things that cause people to stop in awe because they realise that he, and he alone, has done them.
The psalmist exhorts his fellow citizens to rejoice because once again they had been given evidence of their God's incredible power and faithfulness. He had judged their attackers and delivered his people. Such divine actions in providence should be observed (v. 11). Indeed they should walk around the city and consider all the defences that God has provided for them.
It was their responsibility to pass on the details to the next generation (vv. 12-13). It would be a calamitous failure not to do so. They acknowledged that they had been told about the greatness of God, and then afterwards they were privileged to see it as well. After all, it is from his actions in the past that we can measure his faithfulness in the future (v. 14).
We too can walk around the real Zion, where God dwells for ever - the church. We can consider what makes the church strong and secure. Not her numbers, not her skills, not her resolves. Rather we have the presence of God, we have the promises of the Bible, and we have the plan of God which nothing can change. Even when we are under attack!
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