Psalm 47 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

47:1

Psalm 47:1-9. Praise is given to God for victory, perhaps that recorded (2 Chronicles 20:20-30); and His dominions over all people, Jews and Gentiles, is asserted.

clap hands people — literally, “peoples,” or “nations” (compare Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 18:49; Psalm 98:9).

47:2-3

His universal sovereignty now exists, and will be made known.

47:3

under us — that is, His saints; Israel‘s temporal victories were types of the spiritual conquests of the true Church.

47:4 inheritance — the heathen to be possessed by His Church (Psalm 2:8), as Canaan by the Jews.

excellency of Jacob — literally, “pride,” or, that in which he glories (not necessarily, though often, in a bad sense), the privileges of the chosen people -

whom he loved — His love being the sole cause of granting them.

47:5-7

God, victorious over His enemies, reascends to heaven, amid the triumphant praises of His people, who celebrate His sovereign dominion. This sovereignty is what the Psalm teaches; hence he adds,

sing praises with understanding — literally, “sing and play an instructive (Psalm).” The whole typifies Christ‘s ascension (compare Psalm 68:18).

47:8-9

The instruction continued.

throne of holiness — or, “holy throne” (see on Psalm 2:6; see on Psalm 23:4).

47:9

princes — who represent peoples. For -

even — supply, “as,” or, “to” - that is, they all become united under covenant with Abraham‘s God.

shields — as in Hosea 4:18, “rulers” [Margin].