Psalms 47

¹ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

² For the LORD most high [is] terrible; [he is] a great King over all the earth.

³ He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.

⁴ He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

⁵ God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

⁶ Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

⁷ For God [is] the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

⁸ God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

⁹ The princes of the people are gathered together, [even] the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth [belong] unto God: he is greatly exalted.

Table of Contents

Overview of Psalm 47

Psalm 47 is a celebratory hymn that emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all nations and the joy of His people. It is attributed to the sons of Korah and is often interpreted as a call to worship and a proclamation of God’s universal reign.

Thematic Elements

Divine Sovereignty: The psalm highlights God’s supreme authority over the earth and all peoples.
Joy and Celebration: The text encourages the faithful to rejoice and celebrate God’s kingship.
Universal Worship: It calls for all nations to acknowledge and worship the one true God.

Structure and Literary Devices

Call to Praise (Verses 1-2):
The psalm opens with an invitation to clap hands and shout with joy, emphasizing the exuberance of worship.
God’s Sovereignty Declared (Verses 3-4):
These verses describe God’s power over enemies and His choice of Israel as His inheritance, reinforcing His protective nature.
Universal Reign (Verses 5-7):
The psalmist proclaims God’s ascension and calls for a song of praise, highlighting the importance of acknowledging His reign.
Conclusion (Verses 8-9):
The psalm concludes with a declaration of God’s kingship over all nations, emphasizing His authority and the unity of His people.

Key Verses and Their Significance

Verse 1: “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.”
This verse sets the tone for the psalm, inviting all nations to participate in worship.
Verse 2: “For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.”
This verse establishes God’s greatness and authority, reinforcing the theme of His sovereignty.
Verse 7: “For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the universal nature of God’s reign and the call for worship.

Theological Implications

Psalm 47 presents significant theological implications regarding God’s nature and His relationship with humanity. It emphasizes that:

God is not only a local deity but the sovereign ruler over all nations.
Worship is a communal act that transcends cultural and national boundaries.
The joy of worship reflects an understanding of God’s power and love for His people.

Application for Contemporary Readers

For contemporary readers, Psalm 47 serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and the recognition of God’s sovereignty in a diverse world. It encourages believers to:

Engage in joyful worship and celebration of God’s greatness.
Acknowledge God’s authority in their lives and communities.
Promote unity among different cultures and nations through shared worship of the one true God.

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Andrew

I’m Andrew, and I write Learn Bible Daily to help you connect with God in a simple, real way — one verse at a time. I believe the Bible should feel like a conversation, not a textbook.

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