PSALM 47:8-9

In our previous study of Psalm 47 we have found it to be a Psalm of Thanksgiving and Worship.  In the theme we find it was to be directed by the Chief Choir Director and sung by the Sons of Korah who were those that were set aside as the Temple singers for public worship.

            In verses 8-9 we are confronted with four great truths about worship when David says, “God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.”

            In verse 8 our musing opens to us ‘The Source Of Our Worship’.  I cannot imagine that our God has control over all heathens.  This takes great faith to believe that no heathen or enemy of God is out of His control.  It is a truth today that is unrecognized by the world and to us it must be accepted by faith.  But one day to our great delight it will be a blessed reality.  Oh, may we pray with greater zeal ‘Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’  All heathen are His footstools in heaven and it will be a blessed day when this will be clear for all to see.

            We see in verses 8b and 9 ‘The Subject Of Worship’.  David tells us that ‘God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.’  His nature is all holy.  He can be nothing but holy.  Because He is holy He sits in a fixed position upon His throne, which is the highest point of the entire universe.  It is here the princes and people of the God of Abraham are gathered.  Who are these people?  Why have they been gathered here?  I am reminded in the term ‘princes’ that those high in the government realm and rich in the financial realm can also be a part of the family of God.  The people of Abraham are those in the bloodline of the seed of Isaac.  To be a part of Isaac’s seed is to be in Christ and a Son of God.  They are gathered around the throne but for one common purpose and that is to worship their King.

            In verse 9b we find ‘The Shields In Our Worship’.  We know our God to be majestic in power, more so than any other.  David speaks of the shields of the earth bowing in homage to our King.  Who are the shields?  Paul tells us in Romans 13 that God has raised up the power of government to protect us and to be a shield against evil.  We don’t have to look far to realize that government has removed itself from its original purpose.  Be of good courage dear saint.  Be steadfast, unmovable, for those who were to be a shield against evil and who now stand with evil will one day bow to the King of Kings and Lord of all Lords. 

            In verse 9c we find ‘The Sovereign Of Our Worship’. We see the little phrase, “…belong unto God:” and we are reminded that all things are by Him, for Him, and unto Him.  When we realize all belongs to Him we are prompted to worship.

            David tells us “…he is greatly exalted.”  It is not that He has been or will be but He is right now exalted.  In nature, power, character, and glory there is none to compare with Him.  My, I can almost hear the song that says, ‘All hail the power of Jesus name, let angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him, Lord of all.’  He is truly the center of all true worship.  Not music, not preaching, not programs, only Him and Him alone.

.