Psalms 47:4

He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

He shall choose {H977}{H8799)} our inheritance {H5159} for us, the excellency {H1347} of Jacob {H3290} whom he loved {H157}{H8804)}. Selah {H5542}.

He chooses our heritage for us, the pride of Ya'akov, whom he loves. (Selah)

He chooses our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loves. Selah

He chooseth our inheritance for us, The glory of Jacob whom he loved. [Selah

Commentary

Psalms 47:4 speaks to the profound truth of God's sovereign care and His covenant love for His people. This verse is part of a psalm that celebrates God's kingship over all the earth, often envisioned as an enthronement psalm where the Lord is praised for His majestic rule.

Context

Psalm 47 is a psalm of praise, likely sung during a national festival or procession, possibly celebrating God's triumph or the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It emphasizes God's universal sovereignty and His special relationship with Israel. Verse 4 specifically highlights how God, as the supreme King, orchestrates the destiny and blessings of His chosen people. The surrounding verses call all nations to clap their hands and shout to God with the voice of triumph, underscoring His ultimate authority.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The phrase "He shall choose our inheritance for us" powerfully asserts God's ultimate control and benevolent will over the lives of His people. It speaks to God's active involvement in guiding and providing for their destiny, ensuring their well-being according to His perfect plan. This divine choice is not arbitrary but rooted in wisdom and love.
  • God's Covenant Love: The text refers to "the excellency of Jacob whom he loved." This highlights God's enduring and preferential love for Jacob, representing the nation of Israel. This love is the foundation for His choice and provision, echoing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. This theme of God's unique love for His people is central to many Old Testament narratives, such as Malachi 1:2-3.
  • Inheritance and Blessing: The "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah) originally referred to the Promised Land given to Israel, but it also carries broader implications of spiritual blessings, a secure future, and a deep relationship with God. It signifies the unique portion and destiny God has set aside for those He loves. This concept extends to the New Testament, where believers are said to have an inheritance in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

  • Inheritance (Χ Φ·Χ—Φ²ΧœΦΈΧ” - nachalah): This Hebrew word signifies not just a physical possession like land, but also a spiritual portion, a heritage, or a destiny. It implies something received as a gift or by divine allotment.
  • Excellency (Χ’Φ°ΦΌΧΧ•ΦΉΧŸ - ga'on): This term conveys ideas of majesty, pride, glory, or eminence. When applied to Jacob, it speaks of the unique dignity, honor, and blessed status that God bestowed upon His chosen people, not due to their own merit, but solely by His grace.
  • Selah: This word, appearing frequently in the Psalms, is a musical or liturgical notation. It typically indicates a pause for reflection, an instrumental interlude, or a moment for emphasis, inviting the reader or listener to ponder the preceding truth.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 47:4 offers immense comfort and assurance. It reminds us that our lives are not left to chance but are under the careful and loving direction of a sovereign God. We can trust that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, as He has chosen our spiritual inheritance in Christ. This verse encourages us to rest in His divine providence, knowing that His plans for us are for our ultimate good and His glory, rooted in His unchanging love.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 1:4

    To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

  • Nahum 2:2

    For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.

  • Amos 6:8

    ΒΆ The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

  • Amos 8:7

    The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

  • Ephesians 2:4

    ΒΆ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

  • Ephesians 2:5

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  • Deuteronomy 7:6

    For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.
← Back