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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 47, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.] O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. {for: or, of}
Psalms 47:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 For the LORD most high {is} terrible; {he is} a great King over all the earth.
Psalms 47:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
Psalms 47:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
Psalms 47:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Psalms 47:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
Psalms 47:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 For God {is} the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. {with: or, every one that hath}
Psalms 47:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
Psalms 47:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 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. {princes...: or, voluntary of the people are gathered unto the people of the God of Abraham}
Psalms 47:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.