Psalm 47
1. The theme of Psalm 47 is the same as several other “praise” psalms. The main idea is that God is the Ruler of all. This idea runs through many psalms and causes some to think that this is all the Psalms are about. As we have already shown in many psalms, though, the range of emotion is amazing. Psalms such as the 47th, though, are uplifting and helpful to our faith.
2. Verse 1 gives us a great opening sense of praise. Verses 6 and 7 repeat the same idea of praising God in every way possible. Clapping, shouting and singing were all acceptable ways of worshipping God in the Old Testament. This is not a post about the proper acts of New Testament worship, so the point for us in these verses is to do anything acceptable before God, and to do those things with all our might.
3. Why do we worship? Verse 2 gives us a one-sentence summary: “For the Lord Most High is to be feared.” We do not worship because of who we are, but because of Who God is, and because we wish to show Him our respect and honor.
4. Verse 4 shows a timeless truth of God: he “chooses” those who serve Him. The Bible does not teach unconditional election, but God does “choose” people who will be His. They are the ones who do as He says. Even in the Old Testament, His people, the Israelites, were to teach others about God so they might gain the same inheritance–eternal life.
5. Verse 5 is a portrait of God’s sovereignty. Often, when kings ascended to the throne, they did so with great fanfare. The poet here gives the same picture of God, ascending to His glorious throne.
6. Verse 7 is interesting, in that it asks people to “sing praises with a skillful psalm.” While I don’t understand all this means, could this not again be teaching us to do our best when we come before God in worship?
7. The final two verses share a timeless truth. God is in charge. While at times it may not seem as though He rules, He is ultimately in control. Even today, God is in charge of things. Christians need to do their best to do His will and let Him order the affairs of men.
