The Lord Rules Over The Earth
September 11, 2021
Commentary
Do you know of any Christians or churches who look down on hand clapping in accompanying hymn singing? With this thought in mind we find an interesting commentary on the way God’s chosen people worshiped Him in olden times (v. 1). Is it possible that the worship service in many churches is too solemn. The reason many young people give for leaving the church is that the services are dead and the preaching is boring. The Psalmist calls on all the nations to be enthusiastic in praise to the Lord most high (v. 2). It is not just Israel who is to enthusiastic but the world at large (v. 3). “He is a great King over all the earth” and not over Israel only.
God originally chose Canaan as a dwelling place for His people (Genesis 12:1-7). Later under David and Solomon He enlarged the boundaries (Genesis 15:18). One day He will rule the world with a rod of iron, through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. The Psalmist portrays God ascending His throne amid shouts of praise and the playing of trumpets (v. 5).
“Sing praises” occurs four times in verse six and once in verse seven. It sounds like it may have been a chant that the people on the sidelines sang as the priests and the Levites performed their duties in the temple. To those who believe in Him, the confidence that the truths of this Psalm will be fulfilled brings comfort and encouragement during distressing times. Abraham was the father of the Israelite nation (vv. 8-9). This one true God was sometimes called the “God of Abraham (Ex 3:6, I Kings 18:36) in a spiritual sense. God’s promises to Abraham apply to all who believe in God, Jew and Gentile.
Application
Is my walk with the Lord exciting or boring? How many people do I know who really get excited about serving the Lord? Is my excitement catching in the lives of others?
Psalms 47:1– 9 (NET)
1 All you nations, clap your hands. Shout out to God in celebration.
2 For the Lord Most High is awe-inspiring; he is the great king who rules the whole earth!
3 He subdued nations beneath us and countries under our feet.
4 He picked out for us a special land to be a source of pride for Jacob, whom he loves. (Selah)
5 God has ascended his throne amid loud shouts; the Lord has ascended amid the blaring of ram’s horns.
6 Sing to God! Sing! Sing to our king! Sing!
7 For God is king of the whole earth. Sing a well-written song.
8 God reigns over the nations. God sits on his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the nations assemble, along with the people of the God of Abraham, for God has authority over the rulers of the earth. He is highly exalted.