Psalms 47:2

For the LORD most high [is] terrible; [he is] a great King over all the earth.

For the LORD {H3068} most high {H5945} is terrible {H3372}{H8737)}; he is a great {H1419} King {H4428} over all the earth {H776}.

For ADONAI 'Elyon is awesome, a great king over all the earth.

How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!

For Jehovah Most High is terrible; He is a great King over all the earth.

Commentary

Psalms 47:2 declares the majestic sovereignty of God, inviting all people to acknowledge His supreme authority and awe-inspiring nature. This verse serves as a powerful call to worship, setting the tone for the entire psalm which celebrates God's universal kingship.

Context

Psalm 47 is often categorized as an "enthronement psalm," likely used in Israelite worship to celebrate God's kingship and His triumphs. It may have been sung during festivals, perhaps commemorating the Ark of the Covenant being brought into Jerusalem or celebrating a significant victory that demonstrated God's power. The psalm bursts with joy and acclamation, inviting all nations to clap their hands and shout to God with the voice of triumph, positioning Him as the true ruler of the world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Supreme Sovereignty: The phrase "the LORD most high" underscores God's ultimate position above all other powers and authorities. He is not merely a regional deity but the transcendent God over all creation.
  • Awe-Inspiring Majesty: The King James Version's use of "terrible" here does not imply frightening in a negative sense, but rather "awe-inspiring," "reverence-inspiring," or "dreadfully majestic." It speaks to God's immense power, holiness, and glory that evokes profound respect and worshipful fear.
  • Universal Kingship: The declaration "a great King over all the earth" emphasizes God's dominion extends beyond Israel to encompass every nation and every corner of the globe. This grand declaration of God's universal reign serves as a foundational truth, assuring believers that ultimately, all power and authority belong to Him, a theme powerfully reaffirmed in the New Testament with Christ's future return as King of Kings.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "most high" is Elyon (ืขึถืœึฐื™ื•ึนืŸ), which signifies God's exalted, supreme, and transcendent nature. It is often used to describe God's preeminence and His position above all creation, as seen in passages like Genesis 14:19 where Melchizedek blesses Abram by "God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth." The word translated "terrible" (Hebrew: nora', ื ื•ึนืจึธื) conveys a sense of being awesome, dreadful, or inspiring fear and reverence. It describes something grand, majestic, and powerful enough to evoke a profound sense of wonder and holy respect, not mere fright. This nuance is crucial for understanding the verse's intent.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 47:2 calls us to a deeper understanding and appreciation of who God is. Recognizing Him as the "LORD most high" and "great King over all the earth" cultivates humility, trust, and worship. In a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that there is a sovereign ruler who is in control, whose power is absolute, and whose majesty demands our reverence. It encourages us to live with a holy awe, knowing that our God is not only personal but also supremely powerful and universally reigning. This understanding should lead to confident prayer and joyful praise, knowing that the LORD reigns.

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Cross-References

  • Malachi 1:14 (6 votes)

    But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.

  • Psalms 95:3 (6 votes)

    For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.

  • Psalms 47:7 (6 votes)

    For God [is] the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

  • Psalms 99:3 (6 votes)

    Let them praise thy great and terrible name; [for] it [is] holy.

  • Psalms 68:35 (5 votes)

    O God, [thou art] terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel [is] he that giveth strength and power unto [his] people. Blessed [be] God.

  • Deuteronomy 7:21 (5 votes)

    Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God [is] among you, a mighty God and terrible.

  • Psalms 65:5 (4 votes)

    [By] terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; [who art] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off [upon] the sea: