Psalms 47
DOYLYVer. 3, 4. Though the waters &c.] The sense is, Though the numerous forces which are come up against Jerusalem should, like a tempestuous sea, roar and rage, and threaten her with utter destruction; yet the small forces that guard her, which for their stillness may be compared to the soft flowing stream of Siloah, shall by the help of her God protect her. Green.
Ver. 4. He shall choose &c.] Or, he hath chosen the good land of Canaan to be our inheritance. Dr. Wells. — the excellency of Jacob] Meaning the land of Israel. Mudge.
Psalms 47:5
- God is gone up &c.] The ark, which is the emblem of the special presence of God, is gone up into the holy place on mount Zion with a shout of joy and praise. Dr. Wells. This carrying up of the ark mystically represents Christ’s ascension into heaven, as may be gathered by comparing this with Eph. iv. 8, where the like words, uttered concerning the ark upon the same occasion, Psalm lxviii. 18, are directly applied to Christ’s ascension. Poole.
Psalms 47:6
- The heathen raged, &c.] How concise and energetick are these expressions of the Divine power! Bp. Horne. — he uttered his voice.] Alluding to the demonstration of God’s power visibly exerted in the cause of Israel —and the inhabitants of the earth melted, as it were, with fear. Rosemüller.
Psalms 47:9
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— he burneth the chariot &c.] Alluding to the heathen custom of burning the arms of those they had conquered, in honour of their gods, and as a sign of peace. Bp. Lowth.
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The princes of the people &c.] This verse plainly describes the kings of the Gentiles as acceding to the Church, as becoming with their subjects, through faith, “the people of the God of Abraham,” and a part of the sacred flock. Bp. Horne. This Psalm should excite us to praise God, and to celebrate his glory with holy transports, as He is the King of the whole earth, and deserves the adoration of all men; but above all, because He has chosen us to be his people and his inheritance. But we should also apply this Psalm to the times of the Gospel, and especially to our Lord’s ascension to the glory of his king-
Psalms 47:10
- Be still, and know &c.] In this verse there is a change of person; and Jehovah himself is introduced, as commanding the world to cease its opposition, to own his power, and to acknowledge his sovereignty over all the kingdoms of the nations. Bp. Horne. As we are continually beset by troubles, either bodily or spiritual, so we continually stand in need of a city of refuge and strength, into which we may flee and be safe. Religion is that city, whose gates are always open to the affected soul. We profess to believe this: do we act agreeably to such profession? Bp. Horne. Psalm XLVII. This Psalm was probably composed and sung on occasion of bringing the ark, either into