Psalms 47:5

Translation
King James Version
¶ God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
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KJV (with Strong's)
God H430 is gone up H5927 H8804 with a shout H8643, the LORD H3068 with the sound H6963 of a trumpet H7782.
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Complete Jewish Bible
God goes up to shouts of acclaim, ADONAI to a blast on the shofar.
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Berean Standard Bible
God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD with the sound of the horn.
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American Standard Version
God is gone up with a shout, Jehovah with the sound of a trumpet.
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World English Bible Messianic
God has gone up with a shout, The LORD with the sound of a shofar.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
God is gone vp with triumph, euen the Lord, with the sound of the trumpet.
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Young's Literal Translation
God hath gone up with a shout, Jehovah with the sound of a trumpet.
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See also
Psalms 68:33Psalms 24:7Psalms 24:10Psalms 150:3Psalms 78:65Revelation 8:6Revelation 8:13
In the KJVVerse 14,631 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Psalms 47:5 presents a magnificent tableau of divine triumph and enthronement, capturing the climactic moment of God's majestic ascent to His sovereign throne. This verse vividly portrays the LORD's undisputed victory and universal kingship, celebrated with the exultant clamor of a multitude and the solemn, powerful blast of a trumpet. It encapsulates the psalm's central declaration that the God of Israel is the supreme King over all the earth, whose reign is marked by both glorious power and joyous acclamation.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalms 47:5 serves as the dramatic crescendo within a psalm widely recognized as an "Enthronement Psalm," celebrating God's kingship. The preceding verses, Psalms 47:1-4, establish the foundational call for all peoples to joyfully acknowledge God's supreme authority, declaring Him "a great King over all the earth." This universal summons sets the stage for the profound declaration of verse 5, where God's "going up" is depicted as a triumphant coronation event. The psalm then transitions to invite the nations to gather and willingly submit to God's reign, culminating in the powerful affirmation that "the shields of the earth belong to God" in Psalms 47:9, thereby reinforcing His absolute and universal dominion over all earthly powers.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: While the precise historical occasion for Psalm 47 remains a subject of scholarly discussion, its imagery resonates deeply with Israelite traditions of celebrating God's kingship. It may be associated with the annual Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which celebrated God's provision and sovereignty, or perhaps a processional re-enactment of the Ark of the Covenant being brought into Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence and enthronement. The depiction of a king ascending his throne amidst shouts and trumpet blasts was a common motif in ancient Near Eastern coronations, signifying the establishment of royal authority and triumphant rule. However, the psalm transcends a mere earthly event, elevating the concept to God's cosmic authority. The "shout" (Hebrew: teru'ah) and "trumpet" (Hebrew: shofar) were integral to Israelite life, used for war cries, festival announcements, summoning assemblies, and signaling divine presence, most notably seen at Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law. These sounds evoke a profound sense of awe, celebration, and the manifest, triumphant presence of the divine King.
  • Key Themes: Psalms 47:5 powerfully articulates several core theological themes central to the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores Divine Sovereignty and Kingship, asserting that God is not merely a local deity but the supreme, transcendent ruler over all the earth, whose "going up" signifies His exaltation to the highest position of authority and honor. Secondly, it highlights Triumph and Victory, as the "shout" and "sound of a trumpet" are unmistakable signals of a great conquest and an undisputed reign, indicating God's ultimate triumph over all opposing forces and His unchallengeable power. This is a celebration of His decisive and eternal reign. Lastly, the verse inherently calls for Universal Celebration and Worship, as the vivid imagery invites all peoples—both heavenly and earthly—to join in the jubilation, recognizing God's might and His worthiness of universal praise. This theme resonates throughout the Psalter, emphasizing God's eternal and unshakeable reign, as declared in passages like Psalms 93:1 and Psalms 97:1.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • God (Hebrew, ʾĕlôhîym, H430): This plural noun, though grammatically plural, often functions as a singular majestic title for the supreme God. Its use here emphasizes God's transcendent, universal power and His role as the ultimate divine being over all creation, not limited to Israel but acknowledged by all nations. It conveys His unparalleled might and authority.
  • gone up (Hebrew, ʻâlâh', H5927): A primitive root meaning "to ascend" or "to go up." In this context, it carries profound metaphorical weight, implying God's triumphant enthronement, His return to His heavenly abode after a decisive victory, or His majestic manifestation. It denotes an elevation to a position of supreme authority, honor, and a confirmation of His established reign, much like a king taking his rightful throne.
  • shout (Hebrew, tᵉrûwʻâh', H8643): This noun denotes a clamor, acclamation of joy, or a battle-cry. Here, it signifies a tumultuous, celebratory roar of triumph from a multitude, whether heavenly hosts or earthly worshippers. It is an expression of overwhelming victory, exultant recognition, and joyous celebration of God's majestic presence and accomplished work, often associated with a military victory or a royal coronation.
  • LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H3068): This is God's personal, covenantal name, often transliterated as Yahweh. It reveals His unique relationship with Israel, His faithfulness to His promises, and His self-existent, eternal nature. The parallel use of Yᵉhôvâh alongside ʾĕlôhîym emphasizes that the universal King who "goes up" in triumph is also the covenant God who acts specifically in history for His people, demonstrating His intimate involvement and steadfast love.
  • sound of a trumpet (Hebrew, qôwl shôwphâr'): This phrase specifically refers to the sound of a shôwphâr, a ram's horn trumpet. The shôwphâr was used in ancient Israel for various significant purposes: to announce new moons and festivals, to gather the assembly, to signal war, and most importantly, to proclaim the presence of God or a divine announcement. Its sound here is a solemn, majestic fanfare accompanying God's triumphant ascent and enthronement, serving as a powerful declaration of His sovereign presence, authority, and the joyous culmination of His work.

Verse Breakdown

  • "God is gone up with a shout": This clause presents a vivid and dynamic image of divine ascent, which is not merely a physical movement but a majestic act of enthronement or triumphant return. The "shout" (tᵉrûwʻâh) is the accompanying acclamation from the heavenly hosts or the earthly worshippers, a resounding declaration of victory and exaltation. It signifies the triumphant conclusion of a divine act, leading to God's undisputed and celebrated reign over all.
  • "the LORD with the sound of a trumpet": This second clause functions in rich synonymous parallelism with the first, reinforcing the same majestic event of divine enthronement. By using "the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh), the personal covenant name of God, the psalm emphasizes that this universal King is also the God intimately involved with His people. The "sound of a trumpet" (qôwl shôwphâr) provides a complementary auditory image to the "shout," adding a layer of solemnity, official proclamation, and manifest divine presence to the triumphant ascent. Together, these clauses paint an awe-inspiring picture of God's majestic, celebrated, and universally acknowledged enthronement.

Literary Devices

Psalms 47:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine triumph and absolute sovereignty. Foremost is Parallelism, specifically Synonymous Parallelism, where the two clauses of the verse express the same fundamental idea in different but closely related terms: "God is gone up with a shout" and "the LORD with the sound of a trumpet." This repetition not only reinforces the central message of God's triumphant ascent but also intensifies its impact, emphasizing the majesty and celebratory nature of the event. The strategic use of different divine names (ʾĕlôhîym and Yᵉhôvâh) within this parallelism adds depth, highlighting both God's universal sovereignty and His covenantal relationship with His people. Imagery is richly employed, appealing directly and powerfully to the senses of hearing with the "shout" and "sound of a trumpet," creating a vivid mental picture of a grand, celebratory procession and enthronement. These auditory details are not just descriptive but function as potent Symbolism and Metonymy, where the sounds themselves stand for the victory, the coronation, and the manifest presence of the divine King. The "shout" symbolizes the overwhelming acclamation of victory and joy, while the "trumpet" symbolizes divine proclamation, solemnity, and the official announcement of God's arrival or the establishment of His eternal reign.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 47:5 presents a profound theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty and His victorious reign over all creation. It portrays God not as a static ruler but as a dynamic, triumphant King who actively "goes up" to assume or confirm His throne, accompanied by the sounds of universal acclamation. This imagery underscores the belief that God's authority is not merely theoretical but is demonstrated through decisive acts of victory and exaltation. The psalm invites all peoples to recognize and celebrate this reality, fostering a worldview where God is the ultimate power, deserving of all praise and submission. This theme of divine enthronement and cosmic reign is central to biblical theology, affirming God's control over history and His ultimate triumph over all forces of chaos and opposition. It speaks to the unshakeable nature of His kingdom and the certainty of His ultimate victory.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 47:5 offers immense spiritual nourishment for the believer, serving as a powerful reminder of the unwavering truth of God's ultimate authority and His victorious nature. In a world often marked by chaos, uncertainty, and the apparent triumph of evil, this verse serves as a profound anchor, assuring us that God is actively reigning, having "gone up" in triumph. It calls us to shift our perspective from earthly anxieties and temporary struggles to heavenly realities, recognizing that our God is sovereign over every circumstance, every nation, and every challenge. Our appropriate response to such a magnificent King is one of joyful worship, confident trust, and humble submission. Understanding God's triumphant ascent encourages us to live lives that reflect His glory, to engage in spiritual battles with the unwavering assurance of His victory, and to anticipate with eager hope the day when His reign is fully and visibly manifest over all the earth, bringing all things into perfect alignment with His will.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the vivid imagery of God "going up with a shout" and "the sound of a trumpet" deepen your understanding of His character, power, and ultimate reign?
  • In what specific areas of your life or the world around you do you need to surrender more fully to God's sovereign reign, trusting in His ultimate victory over all adversity?
  • Considering God's triumphant enthronement, how can you cultivate a more consistent spirit of joyful acclamation, confident worship, and hopeful anticipation, even amidst personal or global challenges?

FAQ

What is the significance of the "shout" and "trumpet" in this verse, and how do they relate to God's kingship?

Answer: The "shout" (Hebrew: tᵉrûwʻâh) and the "sound of a trumpet" (Hebrew: qôwl shôwphâr) are profoundly significant in Psalms 47:5, serving as powerful auditory symbols of God's triumphant kingship. The tᵉrûwʻâh is a loud acclamation, often a battle cry or a shout of great joy and triumph. In this context, it signifies the overwhelming victory and exultant recognition of a king's enthronement, a collective roar of celebration from those who acknowledge His undisputed authority. The shôwphâr (ram's horn trumpet) was a crucial instrument in ancient Israel, used for solemn announcements, to gather the assembly, to signal war, and to proclaim the very presence of God. For instance, its sound accompanied God's descent at Mount Sinai when the Law was given. Together, these sounds create a vivid auditory image of a majestic, triumphant procession and coronation. They are not merely background noise but active expressions of celebration, divine proclamation, and the universal acknowledgment of God's absolute authority as King over all the earth. They declare that God has decisively acted, conquered, and now reigns supreme.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 47:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The declaration that "God is gone up" is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's glorious ascension into heaven, which occurred after His victorious resurrection from the dead. Just as the psalm describes a triumphant ascent, Jesus' departure from earth was not a retreat but a magnificent return to His heavenly throne, signifying the completion of His redemptive work and His enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords. His ascension was indeed accompanied by a "shout" of divine approval and the "sound of a trumpet," not necessarily heard by human ears at that moment, but spiritually echoing the triumphant acclamation of heaven as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, took His rightful place at the right hand of the Father. This enthronement, as described in Ephesians 1:20-22, signifies His universal reign over all things, His supreme authority over every power and dominion, and His ongoing intercession for His people. Furthermore, the imagery of the trumpet powerfully anticipates Christ's glorious second coming at the end of the age, when He will descend with a "shout" and the "sound of a trumpet," gathering His elect and establishing His eternal kingdom in its visible fullness, bringing to ultimate fruition the universal kingship proclaimed in this psalm.

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Commentary on Psalms 47 verses 5–9

We are here most earnestly pressed to praise God, and to sing his praises; so backward are we to this duty that we have need to be urged to it by precept upon precept, and line upon line; so we are here (Psa 47:6): Sing praises to God, and again, Sing praises, Sing praises to our King, and again, Sing praises. This intimates that it is a very necessary and excellent duty, that it is a duty we ought to be frequent and abundant in; we may sing praises again and again in the same words, and it is no vain repetition if it be done with new affections. Should not a people praise their God? Dan 5:4. Should not subjects praise their king? God is our God, our King, and therefore we must praise him; we must sing his praises, as those that are pleased with them and that are not ashamed of them. But here is a needful rule subjoined (Psa 47:7): Sing you praises with understanding, with Maschil. 1. "Intelligently; as those that do yourselves understand why and for what reasons you praise God and what is the meaning of the service." This is the gospel-rule (Co1 14:15), to sing with the spirit and with the understanding also; it is only with the heart that we make melody to the Lord, Eph 5:19. It is not an acceptable service if it be not a reasonable service. 2. "Instructively, as those that desire to make others understand God's glorious perfections, and to teach them to praise him." Three things are mentioned in these verses as just matter for our praises, and each of them will admit of a double sense: -

I. We must praise God going up (Psa 47:5): God has gone up with a shout, which may refer, 1. To the carrying up of the ark to the hill of Zion, which was done with great solemnity, David himself dancing before it, the priests, it is likely, blowing the trumpets, and the people following with their loud huzzas. The ark being the instituted token of God's special presence with them, when that was brought up by warrant from him he might be said to go up. The emerging of God's ordinances out of obscurity, in order to the more public and solemn administration of them, is a great favour to any people, which they have reason to rejoice in and give thanks for. 2. To the ascension of our Lord Jesus into heaven, when he had finished his work on earth, Act 1:9. Then God went up with a shout, the shout of a King, of a conqueror, as one who, having spoiled principalities and powers, then led captivity captive, Psa 68:18. He went up as a Mediator, typified by the ark and the mercy-seat over it, and was brought as the ark was into the most holy place, into heaven itself; see Heb 9:24. We read not of a shout, or of the sound of a trumpet, at the ascension of Christ, but they were the inhabitants of the upper world, those sons of God, that then shouted for joy, Job 38:7. He shall come again in the same manner as he went (Act 1:11) and we are sure that he shall come again with a shout and the sound of a trumpet.

II. We must praise God reigning, Psa 47:7. 8. God is not only our King, and therefore we owe our homage to him, but he is King of all the earth (Psa 47:7), over all the kings of the earth, and therefore in every place the incense of praise is to be offered up to him. Now this may be understood, 1. Of the kingdom of providence. God, as Creator, and the God of nature, reigns over the heathen, disposes of them and all their affairs, as he pleases, though they know him not, nor have any regard to him: He sits upon the throne of his holiness, which he has prepared in the heavens, and there he rules over all, even over the heathen, serving his own purposes by them and upon them. See here the extent of God's government; all are born within his allegiance; even the heathen that serve other gods are ruled by the true God, our God, whether they will or no. See the equity of his government; it is a throne of holiness, on which he sits, whence he gives warrants, orders, and judgment, in which we are sure there is no iniquity. 2. Of the kingdom of the Messiah. Jesus Christ, who is God, and whose throne is for ever and ever reigns over the heathen; not only he is entrusted with the administration of the providential kingdom, but he shall set up the kingdom of his grace in the Gentile world, and rule in the hearts of multitudes that were bred up in heathenism, Eph 2:12, Eph 2:13. This the apostle speaks of as a great mystery that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, Eph 3:6. Christ sits upon the throne of his holiness, his throne in the heavens, where all the administrations of his government are intended to show forth God's holiness and to advance holiness among the children of men.

III. We must praise God as attended and honoured by the princes of the people, Psa 47:9. This may be understood, 1. Of the congress or convention of the states of Israel, the heads and rulers of the several tribes, at the solemn feasts, or to despatch the public business of the nation. It was the honour of Israel that they were the people of the God of Abraham, as they were Abraham's seed and taken into his covenant; and, thanks be to God, this blessing of Abraham has come upon the isles of the Gentiles, Gal 3:14. It was their happiness that they had a settled government, princes of their people, who were the shields of their land. Magistracy is the shield of a nation, and it is a great mercy to any people to have this shield, especially when their princes, their shields, belong unto the Lord, are devoted to his honour, and their power is employed in his service, for then he is greatly exalted. It is likewise the honour of God that, in another sense, the shields of the earth do belong to him; magistracy is his institution, and he serves his own purposes by it in the government of the world, turning the hearts of kings as the rivers of water, which way soever he pleases. It was well with Israel when the princes of their people were gathered together to consult for the public welfare. The unanimous agreement of the great ones of a nation in the things that belong to its peace is a very happy omen, which promises abundance of blessings. 2. It may be applied to the calling of the Gentiles into the church of Christ, and taken as a prophecy that in the days of the Messiah the kings of the earth and their people should join themselves to the church, and bring their glory and power into the New Jerusalem, that they should all become the people of the God of Abraham, to whom it was promised that he should be the father of many nations. The volunteers of the people (so it may be read); it is the same word that is used in Psa 110:3, Thy people shall be willing; for those that are gathered to Christ are not forced, but made freely willing, to be his. When the shields of the earth, the ensigns of royal dignity ( Kg1 14:27, Kg1 14:28,), are surrendered to the Lord Jesus, as the keys of a city are presented to the conqueror or sovereign, when princes use their power for the advancement of the interests of religion, then Christ is greatly exalted.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–9. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 47
"God is gone up with jubilation" [Psalm 47:5]. Even He our God, the Lord Christ, is gone up with jubilation; "the Lord with the sound of a trumpet." "Is gone up:" whither, save where we know? Whither the Jews followed Him not, even with their eyes. For exalted on the Cross they mocked Him, ascending into Heaven they did not see Him. "God has gone up with jubilation." What is jubilation, but admiration of joy which cannot be expressed in words? As the disciples in joy admired, seeing Him go into Heaven, whom they had mourned dead; truly for the joy, words sufficed not: remained to jubilate what none could express. There was also the voice of the trumpet, the voice of Angels. For it is said, "Lift up your voice like a trumpet." Angels preached the ascension of the Lord: they saw the Disciples, their Lord ascending, tarrying, admiring, confounded, nothing speaking, but in heart jubilant: and now was the sound of the trumpet in the clear voice of the Angels, "You men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This is Jesus." [Acts 1:11] As if they knew not that it was the same Jesus. Had they not just before seen Him before them? Had they not heard Him speaking with them? Nay, they not only saw the figure of Him present, but handled also His limbs. Of themselves then knew they not, that it was the same Jesus? But they being by very admiration, from joy of jubilation, as it were transported in mind, the Angels said, "that same is Jesus." As though they said, If you believe Him, this is that same Jesus, whom crucified, your feet stumbled, whom dead and buried, you thought your hope lost. Lo, this is the same Jesus. He has gone up before you, "He shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into Heaven." His Body is removed indeed from your eyes, but God is not separated from your hearts: see Him going up, believe in Him absent, hope for Him coming; but yet through His secret Mercy, feel Him present. For He who ascended into Heaven that He might be removed from your eyes, promised unto you, saying, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." [Matthew 28:20] Justly then the Apostle so addressed us, "The Lord is at hand; be careful for nothing." [Philippians 4:5-6] Christ sits above the Heavens; the Heavens are far off, He who there sits is near....
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 29
Concerning this again he says, "God ascended with jubilation, and the Lord with the sound of the trumpet."
BedeAD 735
Homilies on the Gospels 2:15
He ascended with a shout of jubilation, since he sought heaven as the disciples rejoiced in the glory of his being lifted up. He ascended with the sound of the trumpet, since he went up to the throne of his heavenly kingdom as the angels heralded his return to judge the living and the dead.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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