Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 47:9

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 .

Either, 1. The heads of the Tribes of Israel who were gathered together to the Tabernacle, or Temple upon solemn Feasts. Or rather, 2. The Princes (or, the [illegible: 1 word] or willing ones, as this Word is rendred, P[illegible: 1+ letters]al. 110 3) of the Gentiles, who are here known by the Name of the People, v. 1. 3. who were divided in their Principles, and Interests, and Religions, but are now united and gathered together unto Christ, laying their Scepters at his Feet, and joyntly owning and promoting his Worship and Service. So he speaks of the Conversion of the Gentiles; although he mentions onely their Princes, because their Conversion might seem to be most difficult in sundry Respects, and therefore that being affirmed, the Conversion of their People, with or after them, might very reasonably be supposed.

So he explains the former Clause, and shews what People he spake of, and it is observable, he doth not say the People of Abraham, lest this should be appropriated to the I[illegible: 1+ letters]raelites, but, the People of the God of Abraham; (i. e.) which Worship the God of Abraham, whether they be Iews or Gentiles. So this is a Prophecy of the Conversion of the Gentiles; which also is intimated by the Name here used, which is not his Old and first Name, Abram, but his new Name, Abraham, given to him to signifie, that he should be the Father of many Nations, Gen. 17. 5. Or these Words with the former, may be, and are by divers learned Interpreters rendred thus: The Princes of the People, (i. e. Of the Gen[illegible: 1+ letters]iles) are (i. e. Shall be, as is usual in Prophetick style) [illegible: 1 word] unto (which Particle is sometimes understood, as [illegible: 1 word]. 5. 8. [illegible: 1 word]. 26. 10. Hose. 2. 14.) the People of the God of Abraham, (i. e.) Unto the Iews, and so both Iews and Gentiles shall [illegible: 1+ letters]e united in one Religion; and so God shall reign [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word], and be King of all the [illegible: 1 word], as is here said, v. 7, 8. and all [illegible: 1 word] shall [illegible: 1 word] their H[illegible: 1+ letters]s for joy, as it is▪ v. 1.

Either, 1. The protection of the People of all the Earth. Or rather, 2. Their Princes or Rulers, who are fitly called Shields, H[illegible: 1+ letters]se. 4. 18. because by their Office they are or should be the common Parents and Protectors of all their People, to defend them from all Oppression▪ and Injuries. These, saith he, are the [illegible: 1+ letters]rds, (i. e.) At his disposal▪ or subject to his Dominion, both as to their Hearts and Kingdom[illegible: 1+ letters]. And so this is here Conveniently added, as the Reason of that great and improbable Event, sor[illegible: 1+ letters] told in the foregoing Words, that the Princes of the People (which of all others were most lofty and wilful, and incorrigible) should joyn and subject themselves to the Lord, and to his Church.

By this means God shall be greatly Glorified, and appear to be far above all the Princes of the World, and above all other Gods.

Marginal references: Or, the [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] of the People are gathered unto the People of the God of Abraham.