Psalms 47 God the King of All the Earth

Praise is given to God for victory, perhaps that recorded (2ch 20:20-30); And his dominions over all people, jews and gentiles, is asserted

1

clap... hands... people — literally, "peoples," or "nations" (compare De 32:43; Ps 18:49; 98:9).

2,3

His universal sovereignty now exists, and will be made known.

3

under us — that is, His saints; Israel's temporal victories were types of the spiritual conquests of the true Church.

4

He shall... inheritance — the heathen to be possessed by His Church (Ps 2:8), as Canaan by the Jews. excellency of Jacob — literally, "pride," or, that in which he glories (not necessarily, though often, in a bad sense), the privileges of the chosen people — whom he loved — His love being the sole cause of granting them.

5-7

God, victorious over His enemies, reascends to heaven, amid the triumphant praises of His people, who celebrate His sovereign dominion. This sovereignty is what the Psalm teaches; hence he adds, sing... praises with understanding — literally, "sing and play an instructive (Psalm)." The whole typifies Christ's ascension (compare Ps 68:18).

8,9

The instruction continued. throne of... holiness — or, "holy throne" (see on Ps 2:6; Ps 23:4).

9

princes — who represent peoples. For — even — supply, "as," or, "to" — that is, they all become united under covenant with Abraham's God. shields — as in Ho 4:18, "rulers" [Margin].