Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
Fear gripped them right there, and pain like a woman giving birth.
The writer is describing how enemies of God's people were suddenly overwhelmed with terror and intense pain when they saw God's power.
📚 Historical Context
In the context of ancient Israel, Psalms 48 is a song of praise that celebrates God's protection of Jerusalem from invading enemies, emphasizing the city's role as a secure stronghold under His care. This verse vividly describes the panic and agony that overwhelmed these foes, using the metaphor of a woman in labor to illustrate intense fear and helplessness. It draws from historical events where God miraculously delivered His people, such as the Assyrian siege recounted in the books of Kings.
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