The Lord Rules Over The Earth

Psalms 47:1–9
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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?