The Book - "Walk about Zion, go all around it, count its towers, consider well its ramparts; go through its citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will be our guide forever" - Psalm 48:12-14.The Land - The present rampart around the Old City is the work of Suliman the Magnificent, the Ottoman sultan. The ramparts of Psalm 48 is that of Kings Solomon and Hezekiah and perhaps Nehemiah.
Today's pilgrim or student can walk around most of the Old City atop the rampart. The rampart can be accessed at the Jaffa Gate or the Damascus Gate and exited at New Gate or Zion Gate, among others.
The words of Psalm 48 come alive as one "walks about Zion." Also, the visitor gets a splendid view of daily life in the Old City.
The Lesson - While the psalmist tells of the glory and strength of Zion, he extols God's praise.
Like the city of God and even more, God is a sure defense. God gives victory to the faithful and strikes the unbeliever's heart with fear. And God's steadfast love endures forever.
Therefore, let the people of God rejoice and praise God's name and tell the next generation of his judgments. "Walk about Zion...consider well its ramparts!"
Photo courtesy of bibleplaces.com
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