Psalms Chapter 47

“O clap your hands, all ye people, Meaning the Gentiles more especially; (see <19B701>Psalm 117:1) compared with ( <451509>Romans 15:9-11); who had reason to rejoice and be glad, since the ascended Lord and King here spoken of was given to be their Saviour, was the propitiation for their sins, and had given himself a ransom price for them; and now the Gospel was preached among them, by an order from him after his resurrection; and upon his ascension gifts were bestowed on his apostles, qualifying them for it; when many of them were converted by it, and were made partakers of the same grace and privileges with the…”

“Praise is given to God for victory, perhaps that recorded (Ch2 20:20-30); and His dominions over all people, Jews and Gentiles, is asserted. (Psa 47:1-9) clap . . . hands . . . people--literally, "peoples," or "nations" (compare Deu 32:43; Psa 18:49; Psa 98:9).”

“O clap your hands, all ye people - A common way of expressing joy, or indicating applause. Compare the notes at Isaiah 55:12. The “people” here referred to are probably the Jewish people, and the call on them is to rejoice, with the customary marks of joy, in view of the great victory which God had gained over their enemies. Shout unto God - Make a joyful noise in praise of God; that is, in acknowledgment that this victory has been gained by his interposition. With a voice of triumph - With such a shout as is usually raised when a victory is obtained; such a shout as occurs in a triumphal procession. Compare 2…”

“Subdue - He speaks this in the name of the whole church, to which all particular believers were to submit themselves in the Lord. Psalms 47:4”

“Ps 47 This psalm celebrates God’s kingship over all the earth; it tells of God’s victory in dealing with Israel and the nations. Both Israel (47:3-4) and the nations (47:9) participate in God’s kingdom. 47:1-2 As the sovereign king over the nations, God requires praise. 47:1 People clap their hands in praise and recognition of marvelous deeds (47:3-4; see 98:8; Isa 55:12; cp. Nah 3:19).”

“for: or, of, Psa 46:1 \*title clap: Psa 98:4; Kg2 11:12; Isa 55:12 shout: Psa 47:5, Psa 98:4; Sa1 10:24; Sa2 6:15; Ch2 13:15; Ezr 3:11-13; Jer 31:7; Zep 3:14; Zac 4:7, Zac 9:9; Luk 19:37-40; Rev 19:1, Rev 19:2 Psalms 47:2”

“(Heb.: 47:2-4) "Thereupon the fear of Elohim" - so closes the chronicler ( Ch2 20:29) the narrative of the defeat of the confederates - "came upon all kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that Jahve had fought against the enemies of Israel." The psalmist, however, does not in consequence or this particular event call upon them to tremble with fear, but to rejoice; for fear is an involuntary, extorted inward emotion, but joy a perfectly voluntary one. The true and final victory of Jahve consists not in a submission that is brought about by war and bloodshed and in consternation that stupefies the mind, but…”