July 8, 2024

He Reigns Above It All

Psalm 47

James Byrd
Monday's Devo

July 8, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 8, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 8, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 8, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 47:7

For God is the King of all the earth;
sing praises with a psalm!

Psalm 47

God Is King over All the Earth

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1  Clap your hands, all peoples!
    Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
2  For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared,
    a great king over all the earth.
3  He subdued peoples under us,
    and nations under our feet.
4  He chose our heritage for us,
    the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah

5  God has gone up with a shout,
    the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6  Sing praises to God, sing praises!
    Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7  For God is the King of all the earth;
    sing praises with a psalm! 1 47:7 Hebrew maskil

8  God reigns over the nations;
    God sits on his holy throne.
9  The princes of the peoples gather
    as the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
    he is highly exalted!

Footnotes

[1] 47:7 Hebrew maskil
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 47:1–4 The Lord loves Israel and gave them their heritage. They hold this special place in order to show all peoples how to fear and love God. God’s subduing of the Canaanites is not his final word for the Gentiles.

Study Notes

Ps. 47:5–7 This probably looks back to the ark going to reside in Jerusalem. Second Samuel 6:15 tells of how the ark was made to go up with a shout (see Psalm 24).

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 47. This psalm celebrates God’s rule over all the earth (see note on 5:2). The promises to Abraham (47:9), that all peoples will be blessed in him (Gen. 12:3), are founded on the fact that there is only one true God. All mankind owes him love and loyalty.

Ps. 47:8–9 The psalm looks forward to the day when the Gentile princes of the peoples gather for worship as the people of the God of Abraham, that is, the people to whom the blessing of Abraham has finally come.

S3:132 Psalm 47

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 47

How do you respond when God does amazing things in your life? Do you praise Him and rejoice? Do you share it with others? Do you keep it to yourself? Psalm 47 shows us how God's people responded in three ways after God saved them from their enemy.

This passage appears to be written in celebration of victory over Israel's enemies. For instance, it could have been written upon defeat of the Assyrians during the rule of Hezekiah (2 Kings 19). Jerusalem was faced by an overwhelming force of Assyrians, and the people were in despair. They pleaded to God for help, and God answered by striking down the 185,000 Assyrians at night (2 Kings 19:35). That is more than the size of the active duty United States Marine Corps!

Psalm 47:1-4 begins with a call to all people to clap their hands and shout to God. How wonderful is it that they didn't keep their praise to themselves or only call out to certain people groups. They called out to all people groups, including the Assyrians!

Psalm 47:5-7 continues with worship and singing praises. They acknowledged Him as their God and the King of all the earth. In doing so, they acknowledge that their ultimate allegiance is to God rather than any earthly king. They praise God five times in these three verses. Think of it as a worship song that you don't want to end and keep singing over and over; that's exactly what is happening here. 

Psalm 47:8-9 ends with a look toward the future, when all people will submit to and worship Jesus as their king. This will be a joyous time—there will be no more war, God will reign over the earth, and there will be perfect peace and harmony.

This month's memory verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions

1. How do you respond when God does amazing things in your life? How does that compare to the response we see in Psalm 47?

2. Do you view answered prayers as an opportunity to share the gospel? Why or why not?

3. Do you look forward to the day when Jesus will reign as king? How can you live differently today in anticipation of that day?

4. Have you heard Watermark's song inspired by Psalm 47? It's called As Loud as He Is Worthy. Check it out!

Respond to Today's Passage

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MS

Michael Scaman

Blow the shofar! A new sound. First instrument in the body of a Psalm. Previously, last few Psalms changed course from laments to a love song in Psalm 45. then a song sung as if by the women chorus after the wedding in Psalm 46 and now their city is blessed and tomorrow the world blessed by God's glory. The celebration continues. This is a bit of a happy sad situation as many feel Psalms book 2 is written inspired by the Northern Kingdom and maybe for the Northern kingdom separated from Zion. Victory here and not yet concerning many problems in this life. According to O Palmer Roberson in The Flow of the Psalms, the theme of book 2 is "communication" , the gospel goes beyond Israel. Sure sounds like it in this Psalm: Clap your hands, all peoples! not merely Israel begins the Psalm. God is the King not merely of Israel but of all the earth, the peoples and nations. 1 Clap your hands, all peoples! <— not just Israel Shout to God with loud songs of joy! 2 For the LORD , the Most High, <-- Yahweh, LORD-- Elyon Is to be feared a great king over all the earth. The name of God used is the covenant name of the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. Yahweh. And doubles down on the point. The princes of the people (plural) suggests rulers of the nations and not as opponents or merely servants, but as he people of the God of Abraham." The blowing of the shofar is intended to awaken the soul, inspire reflection, and call people to spiritual action. The shofar is in the poetic center, the middle verse. of this Psalm. First time shofar is in the Psalms at all. 5 God has gone up with a shout, <--- Elohim the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. <— shofar Ok …. Maybe the ESV should have said rams horn or shofar instead of trumpet?? Another thing I notice is Elohim will be used mostly in this Psalm except for the ends of the earth clapping their hands. The shofar is blown. Something new and big. What’s new, not in the Psalms prior? New - Universal Praise and Joy: Psalm 47 begins with a call for all people to clap their hands and shout to God with joy, emphasizing universal praise and celebration.​ (Bible Gateway)​​ (Bible Gateway)​. New - God's Sovereignty Over All Nations: The Psalm highlights God's rule over all the earth and all nations, depicting Him as the supreme King who subdues peoples and nations under His people(Bible Gateway)​​ (Bible Hub)​. New - Triumphal Imagery: Psalm 47 includes vivid imagery of God ascending with a shout and the sound of a shofar, symbolizing a triumphant and victorious God. (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com)​. The voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God? New - Call to Worship Through Song: There is a repeated call to sing praises to God and acknowledge His kingship, reinforcing the theme of joyous worship and celebration of God's rule.​ (Bible Hub)​. Kind of a surprise singing together in worship isn’t in the Psalm till then. New - The shofar itself. First of 3 places shofar is in a psalm. The first musical instrument of any type in the body of a Psalm. Note: Where shofar, the rams horn,. ( seems to be always in a significant place, the center of a poem or a work often most important.) Psalm 47:5 shofar. Center verse of psalm 47 Psalm. 81:3 shofar the poetic middle of the book of psalms according to Sinclair Ferguson center psalm of middle book 3 of 5. Psalm 98:8 both shofar and another kind of trumpet. center psalm of book 4 . Psalm 98:6: "With trumpets (חצוצרה) and the blast of the ram’s horn (שׁוֹפָר)—shout for joy before the LORD, the King). This is the only place with multiple kinds of trumpets Not a shofar used in 98 and 150: Psalm 150 Final psalm. Trumpet in psalm 150 is not shofar. The word "shofar" (שׁוֹפָר) does not appear in Psalm 150. The word used for "trumpet" in Psalm 150:3 is "חצוצרה" (chatzotzerah), which refers to a different type of trumpet.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning James. Great deeper dive this morning. When we read Psalm 47 straight up side by side with 2 Kings 19 it definitely promotes the feel you describe in the dive. Almost as if to say “before you get a big head about yourself because of what has happened to your enemy, there’s the superscription of Psalm 47-A Psalm of the sons of Korah. So a different side by side then takes on this feel. He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Psalm47:4 Heritage-property that descends to an heir As soon as he finished speaking all these words, the ground under them was split apart. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, along with their households—everyone who belonged to Korah and all their goods. So they with all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol; the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. Numbers 16:31-33 He subdued peoples under us and nations under our feet. Psalm 47:3 Considering the source (sons of Korah) subdued people under our feet definitely has a different (ironic) feel to its meaning. Personally I think perhaps Psalm 47:8-9 influences the writer of Jonah a great deal. God sends Jonah to preach to Nineveh, to shield them from his wrath. God causes a bush to grow to shield Jonah from a hot dry wind. Ironically all the praises of Psalm 47:1-7 point toward verses 8-9, and that praise, is what’s missing from God’s man Jonah. There’s a difference between the sons of Korah and Jonah. And there are similarities between Jonah and Korah of Numbers 16. Neither was very happy with what God had clearly revealed their role to be. We get to see that from the perspective of the bigger picture.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much James. There's a line in today's psalm that really stands out to me: "God sits on his holy throne." It has special meaning because today, our 44-year-old son Curt is in heaven, beholding God sitting on His holy throne. Heaven just got WAY more real to my husband Ray and me after Curt took his life yesterday. After battling "severe suicidal depression" (his term, absolutely valid) for 26 years, something happened--we know not what--that flipped the switch to make hopelessness and despair and intense emotional pain stronger and louder than anything else. JTJ fam, please pray for us.
NK

Niki Krauss

Sue, I’m so very sorry. I’m praying God’s strength and comfort over you and your family, today and in the days to come. May you feel his presence like never before and be comforted in his unfailing love.
MS

Michael Scaman

Sue, I am also so sorry to hear of the loss of Curt. I’m thankful Jesus is close to and heals the brokenhearted, When my brother commit suicide it hurt a long time. For anyone struggling with depression, Joni Ericson Tada's talk in the Suffering and the Sovereity of God conference is at https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/hope-the-best-of-things John Piper recommends reading biographies and his are good to start. “The hidden smile of God”. https://www.desiringgod.org/books/the-hidden-smile-of-god A hard situation. The writer Nancy Guthrie often speaks on grieving and a very good speaker on that at Desiring God. https://www.nancyguthrie.com/o-love-that-will-not-let-me-go
GJ

greg jones

My friend Sue, I am saddened beyond words to read this news. Please know my prayers are with you and your family.
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Amy Lowther

1. I give thanks to those around me and to God. I think it is similar because the Psalm encourages singing praises of God. 2. I feel they are a chance for me to be stronger. They are happy moments. 3. Yes. I live everyday doing my best, walking with Jesus, being intentional and obedient to God, so when I meet Jesus, we will have a lot of good things to talk about. 4. It is good. Presenting Psalm 47 in a song helps with processing Psalm 47, making it easier to understand and remember. James - Thank you for sharing your ideas. “Psalm 47:1-4 begins with a call to all people to clap their hands and shout to God. How wonderful is it that they didn't keep their praise to themselves or only call out to certain people groups. They called out to all people groups, including the Assyrians!”. Great point!