Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Psalms 47

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).