Psalm 47 Study Notes

Ps 47 title On sons of Korah, see note at Ps 42 title.

47:1 The clapping of hands is an expression of joy that is used elsewhere to praise a new king (98:8; 2Kg 11:12).

47:2-3 Most High is a title for God expressing his sovereignty over the whole earth (see note at 7:17; cp. 24:1-2; 95:4; 97:3-5). Subdues (Hb yadber) occurs only in this verbal form here and in 18:47 where it refers to Israel’s military campaigns in which nations were subjugated. Under the feet is a place of submission; it is a concept further developed in Scripture as a picture of the dominion of God’s kingdom (see note at 8:5-8).

47:4 Pride of Jacob is parallel to inheritance and refers to the promised land (Is 58:14; Am 8:7).

47:5-6 Ascends could refer to God going up into heaven (Gn 17:22; 35:13; Jdg 13:20) or to the ark of the covenant (representing the Lord’s presence) being carried up to the temple (2Sm 6:5,16-17). In this psalm it probably expresses the more general idea of the Lord ascending his earthly throne.

47:7-8 Song of wisdom uses the word Maskil (see note at Ps 32 title).

47:9 Leaders is literally “shields” and is used to represent those who lead nations, usually kings (84:9; 89:18).