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Psalms 47

9 verses

TL;DR

A jubilant proclamation of God's supreme kingship over all nations, inviting every people to clap and sing in praise.

Summary

The psalm opens with a call to all people to clap their hands and shout to God with triumphant voices, celebrating the LORD’s greatness. The LORD is portrayed as a terrifying and all‑powerful king who reigns over the entire earth. The psalmist declares that the LORD will subdue all peoples and nations, securing His inheritance for Jacob, whom He loves. The divine ascent is depicted with a shout and the sound of a trumpet, symbolizing triumph and divine presence. Praise is repeatedly urged, with emphasis on understanding and reverence, as God is the king of all the earth and of the heathen. The psalm concludes by noting that the princes and the people of God’s covenant are gathered, highlighting the universal acknowledgment of God’s authority and the exaltation of His throne.

Outline
  1. Invitation to worship and call to celebration
  2. Declaration of God's sovereignty and universal dominion
  3. Collective praise and recognition of divine authority
Themes
Divine sovereignty and kingshipRoyal worship and communal praiseUniversal dominion of God
Keywords
clapshouttrumpetKingheatheninheritanceexcellencethrone
People
LORDKing of all the earthJacobAbraham
Places
the earth
Things
shouttrumpetthroneinheritanceexcellence
Key Verses
  • Psalms 47:1: Sets the celebratory tone with the command to clap and shout in triumph.
  • Psalms 47:2: Affirms the LORD’s terrifying power and supreme kingship over all nations.
  • Psalms 47:8: Highlights God’s reign over the heathen and His exalted throne, underscoring universal sovereignty.
Questions
  • What is the significance of clapping hands in the context of worship in Psalm 47?
  • How does the psalmist use the imagery of a shout and trumpet to convey God’s presence?
  • In what ways does Psalm 47 present the concept of universal dominion and why is this important for the believer?
  • How does the mention of Jacob and Abraham connect this psalm to Israel’s covenantal identity?
Sentiment

positive
The tone is celebratory, exalting God’s power and encouraging communal worship.