Psalms47
English Standard Version
1To the . A of the of . your , ! to with songs of !
2For the Lord, the , is to be , a over the .
3He us, and our .
4He our for us, the of whom he .
5 has up with a , the Lord with the of a .
6 praises to , praises! praises to our , praises!
7For is the of the ; praises with a !
8 the ; on his .
9The of the as the of the of . For the of the belong to ; he is !
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 47.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The people exhorted to praise God..
vv1-4
The God with whom we have to do, is a God of awful majesty. The universal and absolute sovereignty of a holy God would be too terrible for us even to think of, were it not exercised by his Son from a mercy-seat; but now it is only terrible to the workers of iniquity. While his people express confidence and joy, and animate each other in serving him, let sinners submit to his authority, and accept his salvation. Jesus Christ shall subdue the Gentiles; he shall bring them as sheep into the fold, not for slaughter, but for preservation. He shall subdue their affections, and make them a willing people in the day of his power. Also it speaks of his giving them rest and settlement. Apply this spiritually; the Lord himself has undertaken to be the inheritance of his people. It shows the faith and submission of the saints. This is the language of every gracious soul, The Lord shall choose my inheritance for me; he knows what is good for me better than I do.
vv5-9
Praise is a duty in which we ought to be frequent and abundant. But here is a needful rule; Sing ye praises with understanding. As those that understand why and for what reasons they praise God, and what is the meaning of the service. It is not an acceptable service, if it is not a reasonable service. We are never to forget the end of Messiah's exaltation, so continually do the prophets dwell upon the conversion of the nations to the gospel of Christ. Why do we vainly fancy that we belong to him, unless the Spirit reign in our hearts by faith? Lord, is it not thy glory and delight to give repentance to Israel and remission of sins, now that thou art exalted as a Prince and a Saviour? Set up thy kingdom in our hearts. Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. And so sweetly constrain all the powers and faculties of the souls of thy redeemed, into holy love, fear, and delight in thee, that praise with the understanding may rise from every heart, both here and for ever, to Thee, our God.
Key Words
נָצַח: properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
מִזְמוֹר: properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
קֹרַח: Korach, the name of two Edomites and three Israelites
תָּקַע: to clatter, i.e. slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become bondsman by handclasping)
כַּף: the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); figuratively, power
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַם: a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
רוּעַ: to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout (for alarm or joy)
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
Cross References
Psalms 47Paul applies the ascension language of the Ark's ascent directly to Christ's triumphant ascension into heaven.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The historical type of the Lord ascending with a shout and trumpet as the Ark enters Jerusalem.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Echoes singing "with understanding" (understandingly/intelligibly), as Paul exhorts believers to sing with the spirit and mind.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
The historical fulfillment of God going up: Christ bodily ascending to heaven before His disciples.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel description of God ascending on high, leading captivity captive, typifying Christ's final ascension.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Gentiles are gathered as spiritual children of Abraham, becoming "the people of the God of Abraham."
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Believers in Christ are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise, joining his covenant people.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Exhorts the nations (peoples) to rejoice along with God's covenant people Israel.
Supported by JFB
Uses the identical Hebrew term for "the excellency/pride of Jacob" in a parallel covenantal context.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identifies "shields of the earth" as a symbolic term for rulers or protective political leaders.
Supported by JFB
Poetic parallel where the trees of the field are commanded to "clap their hands" in joy.
Supported by Calvin
Confirms God chose and loved Israel solely out of His free, sovereign grace and love.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Echoes the declaration of God's universal sovereignty: "For I am a great King, saith the Lord."
Supported by Matthew Henry