Since the 1920's, 'social studies', as a formal branch of education, has concerned itself with the relationships and function of society, subsuming the study of history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography, and anthropology. Psalm 48 proves to us from the genius of scripture that this is nothing innovative as modern man might claim. The Bible offers us an introductory course in true social studies from the birds eye view of God's self-exalting providence in Ps 48. Here we have poetically and symbolically set forth, the didactic and doxological (teaching & worship) value of the copy and shadow (Heb 8:5) of Old Testament social and liturgical order. Ps 48 is a celebration of the architect and architecture of covenant history. The city-state, temple worship, and ethnic distinctives of ancient Israel serve as effective and vibrant metaphors for their fulfillment and counterpart through Jesus Christ – who is the Word in flesh, gloriously tabernacling with His church. We, as His church, are the living stones of the New Covenant household of God. (I Peter 2:4-10)