Psalms 47:9 - Exposition

The princes of the people (literally, princes of peoples ) are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham ; rather, to be the people of the God of Abraham (Revised Version)— i.e. to form, together with Israel, the one people, or Church, of God (comp. Isaiah 49:18-23 ). For the shields of the earth belong unto God. The "shields" are the "princes" of the first clause, those whose business it is to protect and defend their subjects (comp. Hosea 4:18 ). The princes of the earth belong especially to God, since "by him kings reign, and princes decree justice" ( Proverbs 8:15 ). At the great ingathering of the Gentiles into the Church, they would belong to him still more, since they would voluntarily place themselves under his rule ( Isaiah 49:23 ; Isaiah 60:3 , Isaiah 60:11 , Isaiah 60:16 ). He is greatly exalted . The perfect submission to God of all his rational creatures is his highest exaltation and glory. When "all people bow down before him," and "all nations do him service," when rebellion and resistance to his will are at an end, then will he be established in his rightful position, and his exaltation will be complete.