Theme:
God reigns as the great King over all the earth, worthy of wholehearted, global praise.
Tone:
Jubilant and exalting.
Structure:
A sweeping call to worship, followed by reasons rooted in God’s kingship, ending with heightened praise as God is exalted among the nations.
The Call
The psalm begins by widening the circle: not only Israel, but “all peoples” are summoned to join the celebration. The first emotion is not quiet gratitude but holy exuberance—clapping hands, raised voices, unashamed joy. Worship here is communal and public: the heart cannot keep God’s greatness to itself.
The Reflection
Praise deepens into reverent awe as the reason for joy comes into focus: the LORD is “Most High,” the One whose rule is not fragile, local, or temporary. His kingship is portrayed as both majestic and active—He subdues and gathers, He orders history, He secures a place for His people.
Yet the psalm refuses to let Israel’s blessing turn inward. God’s reign extends over the nations, and the leaders of the peoples are pictured assembling under the banner of the God of Abraham. The emotional movement is striking: exuberance matures into wonder as worshipers realize that God’s throne is not only above their troubles, but above every boundary that divides humanity.
The Resolve
The psalm ends higher than it began—like a song that keeps finding a stronger chorus. God “has gone up” with shouting and trumpet blast; His enthronement is celebrated with deliberate, repeated praise. The final posture is settled adoration: God is not merely victorious; He is exalted. His rule stands, inviting ongoing worship marked by joy and reverence together.
Psalm 47 magnifies God as King over all the earth—an anthem fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who proclaims the kingdom, defeats the deeper enemies of sin and death, and gathers a people from every nation. The psalm’s vision of God reigning “over the nations” resonates with the risen Christ’s universal authority and with the gospel’s outward reach.
When the psalm celebrates God’s ascent “with a shout,” Christians can hear an echo—not as a forced prediction, but as a fitting harmony—of Christ’s exaltation: the crucified King raised and enthroned, drawing the peoples to worship the one true God.
The repeated command “Sing praises” translates the Hebrew זַמְּרוּ (zammerû)—a word tied to making music, often with instruments. Its repetition presses a point: worship is not vague admiration but intentional, voiced, and shaped praise—truth about God carried on melody and confession.
"For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!" — Psalm 47:7
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Who is summoned at the beginning to join the celebration of praise?
2. What is the reason given for singing praises in the key verse?