Psalm 47 explained: Every Nation Cheers God as King

Clap for the great King (vv. 1-2)

The call to clap and shout with joy goes out to every people on earth. The reason given is that the LORD, called God Most High, is awe-inspiring, a power to be deeply respected and even feared, and king over every land.

Victories and a chosen land (vv. 3-4)

On the surface these lines recall Israel's wins over other peoples and the land of Canaan, which God chose for them out of love and which the descendants of Jacob, the nation's ancestor, took pride in. Older Christian interpreters took the subduing to mean other nations being gathered in under God's rule rather than crushed.

God goes up with trumpets (v. 5)

This likely pictures a joyful procession, and one traditional reading links it to David bringing the sacred chest called the ark, the sign of God's presence, up to the hill of Zion in Jerusalem with shouting and trumpets. Christians have also read it in light of Jesus rising to heaven.

Sing praise to the King (vv. 6-7)

The fourfold repetition of "sing praises" builds excitement around one idea: God is king of all the earth. The word in verse 7 describing the kind of song is uncertain, possibly meaning a skillful, thoughtful or teaching song.

Rulers join Abraham's people (vv. 8-9)

The psalm ends with God seated on a holy throne and the leaders of other nations gathering as if they too belonged to the people of Abraham, Israel's founding ancestor. The rulers of the earth are literally called its "shields," an old picture of kings as protectors, and the point is that they all belong to God.

Key verse: Psalm 47:7

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the psalm is mainly a song for a festival in ancient Israel or is chiefly a prophecy of Jesus ascending to heaven and his rule spreading to all nations.

Something to think about

What do you make of a song that celebrates one people's story while inviting every other people to join in the celebration?