Psalms 48:6

"Trembling took hold of them there, pain, as of a woman in travail."

Key Reflection

In Psalms 48:6, the author paints a vivid picture of intense emotional and physical distress experienced by a group of people. This imagery was likely meant to convey the dire circumstances faced by the inhabitants of Jerusalem during times of siege or invasion, where fear and suffering were palpable. The phrase "trembling took hold of them there" evokes the terror felt in moments of crisis, while "pain, as of a woman in travail" vividly describes the physical agony and emotional turmoil, drawing parallels to the labor pains associated with childbirth—a metaphor for extreme distress or travail.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Fear took hold upon them there -Trembling seized them; they were filled with sudden consternation. That is, as soon as they saw the city, or had a distinct view of it, they became alarmed. And pain -Distress; anguish. The distress arising from disappointed hopes, and perhaps from the apprehension of their own safety. They were filled with dismay. As of a woman in travail -This comparison is often used in the Scriptures to denote the severest kind of pain. CompareJeremiah 4:31;Jeremiah 6:24;Jeremiah 13:21;Jeremiah 22:23;Jeremiah 30:6;Jeremiah 49:24;Micah 4:9-10;Isaiah 53:11.

More from Psalms 48

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion