Psalm 47:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 47:1-9

The universal King. The Lord is here set forth as "King over all the earth." His government commands— I. THE HOMAGE OF THE INTELLECT . "The Most High" is the Maker of heaven and earth. He is infinitely wise and holy and powerful. Not dependent upon other beings, he rules singly and done, in supreme majesty. Reason, therefore, not only confesses his right, but his fitness. Here is the repose of the mind in a perfect King. II. THE ACQUIESCENCE OF THE CONSCIENCE .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 47:1-9

The universal sovereignty of God. The occasion of the psalm was, according to Psalms 47:3 , an overthrow of many heathen peoples by the visible interposition of God, who had leagued themselves against Israel, and who, according to Psalms 47:4 , had set out with the purpose of expelling Israel from her land. Another interpretation is that the psalm was composed for the dedication of the temple on the return from captivity. The main thought is the universal sovereignty of God. "God is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 47:2

For the Lord Most High is terrible (comp. Deuteronomy 7:21 ; and see also Psalms 65:5 ; Psalms 68:35 ; Psalms 76:7-9 ). God is "terrible"— i.e. awful to contemplate-on account of his vast power and his absolute holiness. He is a great King over all the earth. Not only over Israel, or over the nations which David has conquered, but ever every nation on the face of the earth (comp. Psalms 95:3 , Psalms 95:4 ; Psalms 96:10 ; Psalms 97:1 , etc.). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 47:1

O clap your hands, all ye people - A common way of expressing joy, or indicating applause. Compare the notes at Isaiah 55:12. The “people” here referred to are probably the Jewish people, and the call on them is to rejoice, with the customary marks of joy, in view of the great victory which God had gained over their enemies.Shout unto God - Make a joyful noise in praise of God; that is, in acknowledgment that this victory has been gained by his interposition.With a voice of triumph - With such... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 47:2

For the Lord most high - Yahweh, the Most High God; that is, who is exalted above all other beings. Compare Exodus 18:11; 1 Chronicles 16:25 Psa 96:4; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 95:3.Is terrible - literally, is to be feared; that is, reverenced and adored. There is an idea in the words “terrible” and “terror” which is not contained in the original, as if there were something harsh, severe, stern, in his character. The word in the original does not go beyond the notion of inspiring reverence or... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 47:1-2

Psalms 47:1-2. O clap your hands, all ye people All ye tribes of Israel, or, rather, all nations, not only Jews but Gentiles; for all of them would, or might have benefit, if not by the removal of the ark to mount Zion, or to the temple, yet by that which was represented thereby, the ascension of the Messiah into heaven. Shout unto God Unto the glory of the God of Israel. For the Lord most high Above all gods and men; is terrible To all his enemies; a great King over all the earth ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 47:1-9

Psalm 46-48 When God saved JerusalemConfident in tone and bold in expression, these three psalms express praise to God for delivering Jerusalem from an enemy invasion. One example of such a deliverance was on the occasion of Assyria’s invasion of Judah during the reign of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:9-19:37).No matter what troubles he meets, whether from earthquakes, floods or wars, the person who trusts in God is not overcome by them (46:1-3). He has an inner calmness, likened to a cool refreshing... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 47:1

Title. A Psalm. Hebrew. mizmor. See App-65 . Referring to the time of Hezekiah. One of three Psalms (46, 47, 48) in praise of Zion, delivered from Sennacherib's siege. for the sons of Korah. The fourth of nine so ascribed. See note on 42, and App-65 . people = peoples. God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 47:2

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . MOST HIGH. Hebrew. Elyon. App-4 . terrible = to be reverenced. a great King. This in special contrast with Sennacherib (Isaiah 36:4 ). read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Psalms 47:1

PSALM 47GOD THE KING OF THE EARTHTHE ASCENSION OF CHRISTThere are three different interpretations for this chapter, listed by Baigent as, (1) "The celebration song of a recent historical victory, (2) a hymn anticipating the future establishment of the kingdom of God, and (3) a cultic enthronement hymn."[1]The third so-called "interpretation" we reject altogether as being merely a recent device artificially contrived by critics as a means of excluding any reference here to the Messiah. We do not... read more

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