Psalms 47

Psalms 47:1-9

“ King over All the Earth” Psalms 47:1-9 This psalm may have been sung in the valley of Berachah, where Jehoshaphat celebrated his victory over the Moabites. See 2 Chronicles 20:1-37. When some great deliverance has been granted, we should break out in blessing and praise. Notice Psalms 47:3-4! They are rightly placed side by side; because God will not subdue our enemies under us, unless we have allowed Him to choose our life-plan. Live on that plan and you are unconquerable. In the second division, Psalms 47:5-9, Jehovah is depicted as returning from the war to his dwelling-place in the height of Zion. This seems to anticipate the Ascension, when Jesus became the enthroned King of men. They fail to recognize Him now, but some day the princes of the people shall be gathered together, and the kingdoms of the world shall have become the one kingdom of the Christ, Revelation 15:4. The shields of the earth, Psalms 47:9, are its princes and leaders. See Hosea 4:18, r.v., margin. The kings of wealth, science, art, literature, and power will one day bring their glory and honor into the gates of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 1:5; Revelation 21:24.

King over all the earthThis Psalm probably dates from 2 Chronicles 20:1-37. Without a battle, Israel obtained a victory. They stood still and saw the salvation of God, given in answer to King Jehoshaphat’s prayer. The Korhites, whose name is inscribed above it, are expressly mentioned as having been present (2 Chronicles 20:19). Before the people left the field, they held a thanksgiving service in the valley of blessing (2 Chronicles 20:26). From that valley God is depicted as having made his ascent to heaven, having wrought deliverance for his people (Psalms 47:5). This Psalm was probably sung in that “valley of blessing.” It is a double call to praise, addressed first to the heathen (Psalms 47:1-4), and next to Israel. The name Elohim occurs seven times.

Psalms 47:1-4. Oh, clap your hands! In these days of world-wide evangelization, the Gentile peoples are beginning to respond to this invitation.

Psalms 47:3. He shall subdue! If He can subdue nations, surely He can give us the victory over our sins.

Psalms 47:4. He shall choose! Let God choose for you. He will do the best for his beloved.

Psalms 47:5. Gone up with a shout! An anticipation of the Ascension (Psalms 68:18).

Psalms 47:6. Sing praises to God! Let no heart be cold, no tongue be dumb. Holy songs stir the spirit.

Psalms 47:7. God is the King! God claims the kingdoms of this world, which is in revolt, but the end is sure (Revelation 11:15).

Psalms 47:8. The throne of His holiness Holiness is the basis of God’s rule.

Psalms 47:9.The shields of the earth are the princes, as protectors of the people (Hosea 4:18, marg.). Compare Revelation 21:24.