Psalm 47 highlights the sovereignty and kingship of our Lord. Notice how the Psalter describes his majesty.
- He is the great king over all the earth (v.2,7)
- He placed Israel over all the peoples (v.3)
- He has blessed Israel (v.4)
- He reigns over the nations and is enthroned as king (v.8)
Wow, how amazing is our God! Remember, brothers and sisters, that Jesus is the true king. He literally upholds the world by the word of his power (Hebrews 1:3).
According to the Sons of Korah, the proper response to the Lord’s kingship and sovereignty is to clap, shout, and sing to him! Why does the Psalter emphasize the celebratory nature of our response to God? I think there are two reasons.
First, I think the Psalter is well aware that humans by nature express their emotions over what they care about. Shouldn’t we be most thankful and exuberant towards our Lord?
Second, I think we need a reminder to be excited when we come to worship. I often come tired and drained to our Sunday gathering and I need a reminder that when we gather for church, we come to worship our sovereign and reigning Lord.
Our Lord and our God,
Thank you for giving us yourself,
You are all we need,
Amen.