Scripture reading – Psalm 47; Psalm 68
Our chronological reading of the Scriptures continues today in the Book of Psalms. The subject of our Bible study is two festive songs of praise, Psalm 47 and Psalm 68. The title of each psalm credits David as the author; however, the occasion of either psalm is not given. This devotional is taken from Psalm 47.
Psalm 47 – A Song of Celebration
Psalm 47 celebrates God’s sovereignty over the people and nations of the earth. David invited all the world to praise the God of heaven. With the nations of the earth serving as the congregation, the king invited the people to clap their hands and shout to the LORD “with the voice of triumph” (47:1).
Why Should We Praise the LORD? (47:2-5)
The king gave several reasons for Israel to praise the LORD. First, the LORD should be praised because He is “terrible,” meaning He is to be feared and revered. The LORD is also worthy of our praise because He is a “great King over all the earth,” and there is none like Him (47:2, 7-9). Thirdly, because He is Sovereign, the LORD has merely to speak to subdue people and nations to His will (47:3). Israel also had cause to praise the LORD, for He had chosen Canaan for the inheritance of His people “whom He loved” (47:4). We are also reminded our God is the Sovereign of heaven, for after He intervened for His people in battle and gave them their inheritance, He went “up with a shout” and sits on His heavenly throne (47:5).
Sing Praises to God (47:6-9)
With overflowing joy, David invited Israel and the people of the earth to “Sing praises to God, sing praises: Sing praises unto our King, sing praises” (47:6). Why should we sing praises to the LORD? “For God is the King of all the earth…8God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness” (47:7-8).
The rulers of the world give faint acknowledgment to the God of heaven. They are minions of the devil and his demons (Ephesians 6:10-12). Nevertheless, there is One greater than the kings, presidents, and rulers of the earth, and He is King of kings, and LORD of lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16).
Closing thoughts –
Believer, God has appointed a day when “the princes [leaders] of the people [will be] gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham [i.e., or before the God of Abraham]: For the shields [i.e., weapons and defenses]of the earth belong unto God: He is greatly exalted” (47:9).
When you find the troubles and turmoil of the world are fueling your fears and stoking your anxieties, hope in the LORD, and remember: “God is the King of all the earth…[He] reigneth over the heathen” (47:7, 8).
Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith
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