Psalms 47:5

KJV

¶ God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God goes up to shouts of acclaim, ADONAI to a blast on the shofar.

Berean Standard Bible

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD with the sound of the horn.

American Standard Version

God is gone up with a shout, Jehovah with the sound of a trumpet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 47:5 powerfully depicts God's triumphant ascent and enthronement, portraying a majestic scene of divine victory and universal kingship. This verse encapsulates the psalm's central theme of the LORD's sovereign reign over all nations, celebrated with exultant shouts and the resounding blast of a trumpet, signifying His ultimate authority and the joyous acclamation of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 47:5 stands as the climactic declaration within a psalm often categorized as an "Enthronement Psalm" or a "Coronation Hymn." The preceding verses (Psalms 47:1-4) issue a universal call to worship, urging "all peoples" to clap their hands and shout to God with joyful triumph, acknowledging His supreme power and His role as "a great King over all the earth." This sets the stage for the dramatic announcement in verse 5, where the very act of God's "going up" is accompanied by the sounds of victory and coronation. The psalm then continues to invite the nations to gather and acknowledge God's reign, culminating in the affirmation that "the shields of the earth belong to God" (Psalms 47:9), reinforcing His universal dominion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the immediate historical trigger for Psalm 47 is debated, it likely draws upon Israelite traditions of celebrating God's kingship, possibly in connection with the annual Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) or a procession of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The imagery of a king ascending his throne amidst shouts and trumpet blasts was common 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, as seen in the giving of the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Trumpet at Sinai"). These sounds evoke a sense of awe, celebration, and the manifest presence of the divine King.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 47:5 is a powerful articulation of several core theological themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Kingship**, asserting that God is not merely a local deity but the supreme ruler over all the earth, whose "going up" signifies His exaltation to the highest position of authority. 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. This is a celebration of His unchallengeable power. Lastly, the verse inherently calls for **Celebration and Worship**, as the vivid imagery invites all peoples 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 [Psalms 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalms 93:1 - The LORD Reigns").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʾĔlōhîm_):** This is the general Hebrew term for deity, often used for the true God in a majestic and universal sense. Its use here emphasizes God's transcendent power and His role as the supreme being over all creation, not limited to Israel but acknowledged by all nations.
* **gone up (Hebrew, _ʿālâ_):** This verb signifies an ascent, to go up, or to ascend. In this context, it carries rich metaphorical weight, implying God's triumphant enthronement, His return to His heavenly abode after a victory, or His majestic manifestation. It denotes an elevation to a position of supreme authority and honor, akin to a king taking his throne.
* **shout (Hebrew, _tərûʿâ_):** This noun refers to a loud noise, a battle cry, a shout of joy, or a trumpet blast. Here, it denotes a tumultuous acclamation, a celebratory roar of triumph from a multitude, signifying overwhelming victory and joyous recognition of God's majestic presence and accomplished work.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh_):** This is God's personal, covenantal name, revealing His unique relationship with Israel and His faithfulness to His promises. The parallel use of _Yahweh_ alongside _ʾĔlōhîm_ emphasizes that the universal King is also the covenant God who acts specifically in history for His people.
* **sound of a trumpet (Hebrew, _qôl shofar_):** This phrase specifically refers to the sound of a ram's horn, a _shofar_. The _shofar_ 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, a declaration of His sovereign presence and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God is gone up with a shout":** This clause presents a vivid image of divine ascent, not merely a physical movement but a majestic act of enthronement or triumphant return. The "shout" 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 reign.
* **"the LORD with the sound of a trumpet":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, reinforcing the same majestic event. By using "the LORD" (Yahweh), 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" provides a complementary auditory image to the "shout," adding a layer of solemnity, official proclamation, and divine presence to the triumphant ascent. Together, these clauses paint a picture of God's majestic and celebrated enthronement.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 47:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine triumph and sovereignty. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two clauses of the verse express the same idea in different but 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 use of different divine names (_ʾĔlōhîm_ and _Yahweh_) within this parallelism adds depth, highlighting both God's universal sovereignty and His covenantal relationship. **Imagery** is richly employed, appealing directly to the senses of hearing with "shout" and "sound of a trumpet," creating a vivid mental picture of a grand, celebratory procession and enthronement. These sounds are not just auditory details but function as **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 acclamation of victory and joy, while the "trumpet" symbolizes divine proclamation, solemnity, and the announcement of God's arrival or 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.

* [Psalms 96:10](/psalms/96-10 "Psalms 96:10 - The LORD Reigns")
* [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - God Reigns")
* [Revelation 19:6](/revelation/19-6 "Revelation 19:6 - The Lord God Almighty Reigns")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 47:5 offers immense spiritual nourishment for the believer, reminding us 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 powerful anchor, assuring us that God is actively reigning, having "gone up" in triumph. It calls us to shift our perspective from earthly anxieties 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 assurance of His victory, and to anticipate with hope the day when His reign is fully and visibly manifest over all the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God "going up with a shout" and "the sound of a trumpet" impact your understanding of His character and power?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender more fully to God's sovereign reign, trusting in His ultimate victory?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of joyful acclamation and worship, even amidst personal or global challenges, in light of God's enthronement?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "shout" and "trumpet" in this verse?**

Answer: The "shout" (Hebrew: _teru'ah_) and the "sound of a trumpet" (Hebrew: _qôl shofar_) are highly significant. The _teru'ah_ is a loud acclamation, often a battle cry or a shout of joy and triumph. It signifies overwhelming victory and the exultant recognition of a king's enthronement. The _shofar_ (ram's horn trumpet) was used in ancient Israel for solemn announcements, to gather the assembly, to signal war, and to proclaim the presence of God. 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 acknowledgment of God's undisputed authority as King over all the earth. This imagery is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, recalling the trumpet blast at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Trumpet at Sinai") when God descended, and foreshadowing future divine interventions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 47:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "God is gone up" is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's glorious [ascension into heaven](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - Jesus' Ascension"), which occurred after His victorious resurrection. 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 literally heard by human ears at that moment, but spiritually echoing the triumphant acclamation of heaven as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") took His rightful place at the right hand of the Father, as described in [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Enthronement"). This enthronement signifies His universal reign over all things, His authority over every power and dominion, and His ongoing intercession for His people. Furthermore, the imagery of the trumpet powerfully anticipates Christ's glorious [return](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - Christ's Return") 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 fullness, bringing to ultimate fruition the universal kingship proclaimed in this psalm.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 68:33

To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, [which were] of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, [and that] a mighty voice.

Psalms 24:7

¶ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

Psalms 24:10

Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he [is] the King of glory. Selah.

Psalms 150:3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Psalms 78:65

Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, [and] like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.

Revelation 8:6

And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

Revelation 8:13

And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!