Psalms 48:6

Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with east wind. This is either another simile, expressing the greatness of the dread and fear that shall now seize the kings of the earth; which will be, as Kimchi…

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 -…

The psalmist is designing to praise Jerusalem and to set forth the grandeur of that city; but he begins with the praises of God and his greatness (Psa 48:1), and ends with the praises of God and his…

Trembling took hold of them there:

Pangs, as of a woman in travail.

Cp. Exo 15:14-15; and for the phrase though in a different connexion, Isa 33:14, "Trembling hath taken hold of the godless."