Psalms 47

God's Sovereignty and Kingship

¹O clap your hands , all ye people ; shout unto God with the voice of triumph . ²For the LORD most high is terrible ; he is a great King over all the earth . ³He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet . ⁴He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved . Selah .

God's Triumph Over Nations

⁵God is gone up with a shout , the LORD with the sound of a trumpet . ⁶Sing praises to God , sing praises : sing praises unto our King , sing praises . ⁷For God is the King of all the earth : sing ye praises with understanding .

The Inheritance of God's People

⁸God reigneth over the heathen : God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness . ⁹The 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 .

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Insight

Psalms 47:1-4

This psalm begins with a call to praise God, emphasizing His sovereignty over all the earth. The imagery of clapping hands and shouting for joy reflects the exuberance of worship that is due to God as the King.

The psalmist invites all nations to recognize God's reign, indicating that His authority extends beyond Israel to all peoples. This universal call to worship highlights the inclusivity of God's kingdom.

Scripture references

1 Samuel 10:24Open this cross-reference in KJV.2 Samuel 6:15Open this cross-reference in KJV.2 Kings 11:12Open this cross-reference in KJV.2 Chronicles 13:15Open this cross-reference in KJV.