Psalms 47 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 47

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to various authors, including King David, who is believed to have written the majority of the psalms. Psalm 47 is a hymn of praise, celebrating God’s sovereignty over all nations and peoples. The psalmist in this chapter calls upon the people to clap their hands and shout with joy, for the Lord is the great King over all the earth. The author emphasizes God’s power and authority, reminding the audience that He has subdued the nations under His feet and chosen a special inheritance for His people. This theme of God’s universal dominion is echoed in other biblical passages, such as Psalm 2, where the Lord is described as the ruler of all the kings of the earth. We will witness the psalmist’s exuberant praise for the Almighty as we delve into Psalm 47, who has demonstrated His might and faithfulness throughout history. This chapter serves as a reminder to the faithful that our God reigns supreme, and that we should joyfully submit to His sovereign will.

Psalms 47:1-4

Verse 1 of Psalms 47 starts with a call to all the peoples of the earth to clap their hands and shout joyfully to God with a voice of triumph. This sets the tone for the entire Psalm, which is a celebration of God’s kingship and sovereignty over all the nations. The act of clapping and shouting joyfully signifies exuberant praise and reverence for God. It is a reminder that God is not just the God of a particular people or nation, but the ruler over all the earth. God, the Most High, is awesome, a great King over all the earth, is the reason for this joyful celebration in verse 2. This is a bold declaration of God’s supreme authority and power. The psalmist is emphasizing that God’s kingship is not limited by borders or boundaries; He reigns over the entire world. This proclamation serves as a reminder to the Israelites and all believers that God’s sovereignty extends far beyond their immediate surroundings.

Moving on to verse 3, we encounter an image of God subduing the peoples under Israel’s feet and choosing their inheritance for them. This evokes the historical context of the Israelites conquering the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. The reference to ‘subduing the peoples’ can be seen as a reflection of the Israelites’ military victories against their enemies as they established themselves in the land God had promised them. This idea is also echoed in other passages in the Bible, such as Joshua 1:3-4, where God promises to give the Israelites the land upon which they set their feet.

Verse 4 of Psalms 47 continues the theme of victory and conquest, mentioning how God has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His special possession. This reference to Jacob (Israel) harks back to the patriarch Jacob, who was later renamed Israel by God. The Israelites, descended from Jacob, were chosen by God to be His people, a special possession above all others. This concept of God choosing a specific nation for Himself is a recurring theme in the Bible, underscoring the idea of God’s covenant with Israel and His faithfulness to His chosen people throughout history. Psalms 47:1-4 emphasizes the universal kingship of God, His greatness and power over all the earth, and His special relationship with Israel. The verses serve as a reminder to all believers of God’s sovereignty and His faithfulness to His people. The imagery of victory, conquest, and chosenness highlight the historical context of the Israelites’ journey and conquest of the Promised Land, reinforcing the enduring message of God’s presence and provision throughout the ages.

Psalms 47:5-7

The verses in Psalm 47:5-7 break down into the following sections: “God has ascended amid shouts of joy,”
2. “The Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.”
3. “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.”
4. “For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. We can interpret the first section, “God has ascended amid shouts of joy,” as a triumphant moment where we acknowledge and celebrate God’s presence. This verse could be referring to God’s authority and sovereignty being recognized, akin to a king ascending to his throne. The imagery of shouts of joy signifies the exuberance and reverence the people have towards God. This theme is consistent throughout the Bible, where God’s greatness is celebrated and acknowledged. Luke 24:51 in the New Testament mentions Jesus’ ascension into heaven, signifying His authority and majesty.

Moving on to the next section, “The Lord amid the sounding of trumpets,” the mention of trumpets is significant in biblical history. Trumpets were used in the Old Testament as a call to assembly, for battle, or to signify important events. The sounding of trumpets in this verse represents a grand announcement or proclamation of the Lord’s presence. This imagery is reminiscent of the Israelites blowing trumpets during various festivals and victories. Trumpets are also mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, where it describes the second coming of Christ with the sound of a trumpet.

The following section, “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises,” emphasizes the act of worship and praise towards God. The repetition of “sing praises” reflects the importance of expressing adoration and gratitude through music and song. Throughout the Bible, singing praises to God is a common theme in worship. We see examples of this in the book of Psalms, where many psalms are dedicated to praising God’s attributes and deeds. Colossians 3:16 also encourages believers to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God, highlighting the significance of music in worship.

Finally, “For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise,” reaffirms God’s universal kingship and supremacy over all creation. This verse echoes the idea of God’s sovereignty, His rule extending over the entire earth. It calls for a response of praise and worship due to God’s unmatched greatness and authority. This concept is prevalent throughout the Bible, from the beginning in Genesis to the end in Revelation. A great multitude sings praises to God for His reign and glory in Revelation 19:6. Psalm 47:5-7 captures the essence of worship and celebration of God’s majesty and kingship. It reflects the eternal truth of God’s sovereignty, which transcends time and resonates through the entire Bible. This passage serves as a reminder for believers to continually offer praises to God, recognizing His unmatched power and authority over all creation.

Psalms 47:8-9

God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.
The nobles of the nations assemble
as the people of the God of Abraham,
for the kings of the earth belong to God;
he is greatly exalted.”

The first part of this passage, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne,” signifies the absolute sovereignty of God over all the nations of the earth. It emphasizes the ultimate authority and power that God holds over every ruler, kingdom, and people group. This section serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful earthly leaders may seem, they are ultimately subject to the supremacy and rulership of God. This notion is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Daniel 4:17 where it states, “The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

The next part, “The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham,” illustrates a gathering of leaders and representatives from various nations who acknowledge and worship the God of Abraham. This alludes to the fact that God’s dominion is not limited to a particular group or ethnicity but extends to all peoples who recognize Him as the one true God. The reference to Abraham is significant as he is considered a foundational figure in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Abraham’s faith and obedience to God, as demonstrated in his willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22), set the stage for the covenantal relationship between God and his people.

The closing statement, “For the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted,” reiterates the idea that even the most powerful rulers on earth ultimately belong to God. It emphasizes God’s exalted position above all earthly authorities and highlights the importance of acknowledging His sovereignty. This theme of God’s exaltation and kingship is commonly seen throughout the Bible, such as in Revelation 19:16 which describes Jesus as “King of kings and Lord of lords. Psalms 47:8-9 conveys the timeless message of God’s supreme authority over all nations and rulers, the inclusivity of His reign for all peoples, and the exalted status He holds above all earthly powers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the overarching sovereignty of God throughout history and into eternity.

After Psalms 47

The people of God had much to celebrate. They had witnessed the power and majesty of their Lord, who had subdued their enemies and established His righteous reign. The reverend knew that the faithful would need to reflect deeply on the lessons learned as the chapter drew to a close, for the journey ahead would not be an easy one. The trials and tribulations that lay in wait would test the mettle of even the most steadfast believer. Yet, the reverend knew that with unwavering faith and a steadfast commitment to the Lord, his flock would emerge stronger and more resolute than ever before. For in the darkest of times, the light of God’s love would guide them, and in the face of adversity, His strength would sustain them.