John Calvin Commentary Psalms 48:3

"God hath made himself known in her palaces for a refuge." — Psalms 48:3 (ASV)

God in her palaces is known for a defense (Psalms 48:3). Here the sacred poet again presents, for the purpose of showing the dignity of the city of Jerusalem, the protection which God provided for it, as we have seen in Psalm 46:5:

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:
God shall help her, and that right early.

He expressly mentions palaces for the sake of contrast—to teach the Jews that although the holy city was fortified by strong towers and had within it magnificent houses and those resembling fortresses, yet its continued safety was due to the power and aid of God alone.

By these words, the people of God are taught that, although they dwell in strongholds and palaces, they must nevertheless be carefully on guard so that this magnificence or loftiness does not hide or conceal from their sight the power of God. They are also taught not to be like worldly people who, resting satisfied with riches and earthly means of help, place no value whatever on having God as their guardian and protector.

Worldly wealth, due to our natural perverseness, tends to dazzle our eyes and make us forget God. Therefore, we should meditate with special attention on this doctrine:

Whatever we possess that seems worthy of being valued must not be allowed to obscure the knowledge of the power and grace of God. On the contrary, the glory of God should always clearly shine forth in all the gifts with which he is pleased to bless and adorn us, so that we may consider ourselves rich and happy in him, and nowhere else.