Psalm 47
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 47:1-9
A song for all the peoples! That it is possible this psalm may have been penned immediately after some specific victory, such as that of Jehoshaphat over the formidable combination of peoples that came up against him ( 2 Chronicles 20:1-37 .), we may admit; but we can scarcely understand how the peoples should have been invited to clap their hands at their own humiliating defeat. And it seems to us altogether unworthy of the sublime elevation of this psalm to look at it solely, or even... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
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
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 47:3
He shall subdue the people under us ; rather, he subdues , or hath subdued , peoples under us. The reference is to recent victories (comp. Psalms 18:47 ). And the nations (rather, and nations ) under our feet. David subdued all the nations between the river of Egypt and the Euphrates, and left the inheritance of this kingdom, or rather empire, to Solomon ( 1 Kings 4:21 ). read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 47:4
He shall choose our inheritance for us; rather, he chooseth , or hath chosen, our inheritance for us. God originally chose Canaan as the inheritance of his people ( Genesis 12:1-7 ), and gave it to Abraham. Later on, he enlarged the gift, making the boundaries such as they became under David and Solomon ( Genesis 15:18 ). The excellency of Jacob whom he loved. The Holy Land is called "the excellency of Jacob," or "the pride of Jacob," on account of its beauty, and the excellence... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 47:5
God is gone up with a shout; the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. As God "comes down" when he interposes for the relief or deliverance of his people ( Psalms 144:5 ), so after the relief or deliverance is effected, he is viewed as "going up"—returning to his glorious abode, reoccupying his seat in the heaven of heavens, and there remaining until some fresh call is made upon him. If the interposition has been one of a striking and unusual character, if the relief has been great, the... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 47:6
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises unto our King, sing praises Praise him , i.e; both as God and King—especially as "our King"—that is, as Israel's King. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 47:1
O clap your hands, all ye people ; rather, all ye peoples. The nations of the earth generally—not Israel only—are addressed. The events which have taken place—the great extension of God's kingdom, by David's conquests, are for the advantage of all, and all ought to be thankful for them. Shout unto God with the voice of triumph; or, with a voice of joy. Professor Cheyne renders, "in ringing tones." read more