Psalms 47 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 47 Psa 47:1-9 . Praise is given to God for victory, perhaps that recorded ( 2Ch 20:20-30 ); and His dominions over all people, Jews and Gentiles, is asserted. 1. clap ... hands ... people-- literally, "peoples," or "nations" (compare De 32:43 ; Psa 18:49 ; 98:9 ).
2-3. His universal sovereignty now exists, and will be made known.
4. He shall ... inheritance-- the heathen to be possessed by His Church ( Psa 2:8 ), as Canaan by the Jews. excellency of Jacob-- literally, "pride," or, that in which he glories (not necessarily, though often, in a bad sense), the privileges of the chosen people-- whom he loved-- His love being the sole cause of granting them.
5-7. God, victorious over His enemies, reascends to heaven, amid the triumphant praises of His people, who celebrate His sovereign dominion. This sovereignty is what the Psalm teaches; hence he adds, sing ... praises with understanding-- literally, "sing and play an instructive (Psalm)." The whole typifies Christ's ascension (compare Psa 68:18 ).
8-9. The instruction continued. throne of ... holiness-- or, "holy throne" (see on Psa 2:6 ; Psa 23:4 ).