Psalms 47:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For God {H430} is the King {H4428} of all the earth {H776}: sing ye praises {H2167}{H8761)} with understanding {H7919}{H8688)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For God is king of all the earth; sing praises in a maskil.

Berean Standard Bible

For God is King of all the earth; sing profound praises to Him.

American Standard Version

For God is the King of all the earth: Sing ye praises with understanding.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 47:7 succinctly declares the foundational truth of God's absolute and universal sovereignty, proclaiming Him as the unchallenged King over all the earth. In light of this majestic reality, the verse issues a profound call to humanity to respond with worship that is not merely emotional or ritualistic, but deeply intelligent, insightful, and profoundly informed by a true understanding of His character and dominion. It is an invitation to engage both heart and mind in adoration of the cosmic ruler.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 47 stands as a vibrant enthronement psalm, celebrating the sovereign reign of Yahweh. It is strategically placed within the "Elohistic Psalter" (Psalms 42-83), a section where the divine name "Elohim" (God) is predominantly used. The preceding verses of [Psalms 47](/psalms/47 "Psalm 47 - God is King Over All") (vv. 1-6) build a crescendo of universal acclamation, calling all peoples to "clap your hands" and "shout to God with loud songs of joy!" The declaration in verse 7, "For God is the King of all the earth," provides the ultimate theological rationale and motivation for this exuberant, global praise. It serves as the climax of the psalm's argument, cementing God's universal kingship as the irrefutable basis for worship, before the psalm concludes with further affirmations of His reign over the nations (vv. 8-9).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While not tied to a specific historical event, Psalms 47 likely reflects the spirit of Israelite annual festivals, particularly those that celebrated God's kingship, such as the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) or the Feast of Booths (Sukkot). These festivals were times when the community would ritually acknowledge God's reign, often through processions, music, and corporate worship. The imagery of God ascending "with a shout" and "with the sound of a trumpet" (v. 5) evokes the solemn and joyous bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, symbolizing God's enthronement among His people. In a world dominated by polytheistic beliefs and the worship of local deities, this psalm's bold declaration of God as "King of all the earth" was a radical assertion of monotheism and universal dominion, challenging the limited scope of pagan gods and the temporal power of earthly rulers.
* **Key Themes:** Two paramount themes emerge from Psalms 47:7. Firstly, **God's Universal Sovereignty** is unequivocally declared. The phrase "King of all the earth" transcends any national or ethnic boundaries, asserting that God's authority extends over every nation, every people group, and indeed, all creation. This theme is foundational to biblical theology, anticipating the ultimate fulfillment where [the Lord will be King over all the earth](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Intelligent and Intentional Worship**. The command to "sing ye praises with understanding" elevates worship beyond mere emotional expression or ritualistic performance. It calls for a worship that is deeply rooted in knowledge, wisdom, and thoughtful reflection on God's character, His works, and His covenant promises. This aligns with the New Testament emphasis on worship that engages the mind as well as the spirit, as seen in Paul's instruction to [sing with the understanding](/1_corinthians/14-15 "1 Corinthians 14:15 - Singing with the Understanding").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʾElohim'_):** This term is the generic Hebrew word for "God" or "gods," but in the context of the Old Testament, when used with the definite article or in reference to the God of Israel, it refers to the one true God. Here, its usage emphasizes the universal nature of the deity being proclaimed as King. It highlights that the God of Israel is not a tribal deity but the supreme being over all creation, deserving of universal homage.
* **King (Hebrew, _Melekh'_):** This word signifies absolute authority, dominion, and sovereignty. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king held ultimate power, dispensing justice, leading armies, and establishing order. When applied to God, _Melekh_ denotes His unrivaled reign over all things, His inherent right to rule, and His active governance of the cosmos. It implies that His authority is not delegated or limited but inherent and supreme.
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _maskil'_):** Derived from the verb _sākal_ (to be wise, prudent, to understand), _maskil_ here functions adverbially, meaning "with skill," "with insight," "with wisdom," or "with contemplation." It is often found in the titles of psalms (e.g., [Psalms 32](/psalms/32 "Psalm 32 - A Maskil of David")), denoting a psalm intended for instruction or deep reflection. In Psalms 47:7, it calls for worship that is not superficial or rote, but deeply thoughtful, informed by truth, and engaging the intellect and spirit in a profound appreciation of God's majesty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For God [is] the King of all the earth":** This opening clause serves as the irrefutable theological premise for the subsequent command. It is a declarative statement of absolute truth, asserting God's universal and unchallenged dominion. The use of "all the earth" underscores the boundless scope of His authority, encompassing every nation, every people, and every aspect of creation, leaving no realm outside His sovereign rule. This declaration provides the ultimate and sufficient reason for worship.
* **"sing ye praises":** This is an imperative command, a direct call to action. "Sing praises" (זַמְּרוּ, _zammeru_) implies a joyful, vocal, and communal expression of worship through song. It is an active and public response to the preceding declaration of God's kingship, indicating that the appropriate response to such a majestic truth is exuberant adoration.
* **"with understanding":** This crucial adverbial phrase qualifies the manner in which praises are to be sung. It demands that worship be more than mere sound or emotion; it must be imbued with wisdom, insight, and thoughtful comprehension. It implies a worship that is intelligent, informed by a deep knowledge of who God is and what He has done, leading to a profound, meaningful connection with the object of adoration. It calls for worship that engages the mind and the heart in a unified act of devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 47:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The verse begins with a direct **Declaration** ("For God is the King of all the earth"), establishing an undeniable theological truth as the foundation for all that follows. This declaration functions as a **Reason/Result Structure**, where God's universal kingship (the reason) necessitates a specific form of worship (the result). Following this, an **Imperative** command ("sing ye praises") directly calls the audience to action, making the worship response an obligation stemming from God's nature. The phrase "all the earth" utilizes **Universalism**, emphasizing the boundless scope of God's dominion and the global nature of the call to worship. Finally, the qualifying phrase "with understanding" acts as a **Modifier**, refining the nature of the commanded praise, ensuring it is not merely external but also internal, intellectual, and deeply meaningful, thus adding layers of spiritual depth to the act of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 47:7 stands as a powerful theological anchor, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all creation. This truth profoundly impacts our understanding of history, human governance, and the ultimate destiny of the cosmos. If God is truly the King of all the earth, then no earthly power, no political system, and no human ideology can ultimately thwart His divine purposes. This reality offers immense comfort and stability in a turbulent world, reminding believers that a benevolent, omnipotent King is on the throne. Furthermore, the call to worship "with understanding" highlights that genuine faith is not blind or irrational; it is deeply informed by truth and knowledge of God's character. This intellectual engagement in worship fosters a more profound relationship with God, moving beyond superficial emotion to a rich, thoughtful, and transformative encounter with the divine. It implies that true worship flows from a mind illuminated by God's truth and a heart captivated by His glory.

* [Isaiah 6:1-5](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1-5 - Vision of God's Throne")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly in You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 47:7 challenges believers to live in light of God's universal kingship, transforming our perspective on every aspect of life. When we truly grasp that God is the King of all the earth, our anxieties about global crises, political instability, or personal struggles diminish, replaced by a profound trust in His ultimate control and wise governance. This truth should inspire not only our worship but also our daily walk, prompting us to live as citizens of His kingdom, reflecting His values of justice, righteousness, and love in every sphere of influence. To "sing praises with understanding" means cultivating a worship life that is both passionate and purposeful. It requires diligent study of His Word, thoughtful meditation on His attributes, and a conscious effort to align our hearts and minds with His truth. Our praise should be an informed response to His majesty, a declaration of His reign that resonates from deep within our being, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God as "King of all the earth" transform your perspective on current global events or personal challenges you are facing?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate "understanding" in your personal worship, moving beyond rote repetition or mere emotional expression?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to ensure your praise is not just vocal, but deeply informed by God's truth and character?**

### FAQ
**Why is "understanding" so important in worship, and what does it truly mean in the context of Psalms 47:7?**

Answer: The call to worship "with understanding" (Hebrew: _maskil_) in Psalms 47:7 is crucial because it elevates worship beyond a mere emotional outburst or a ritualistic performance. It means engaging one's intellect, wisdom, and insight in the act of praise. True understanding in worship stems from a deep knowledge of God's character, His attributes, His works (creation, redemption, providence), and His covenant promises. It implies that our praise should be informed by truth, not just feeling. When we worship with understanding, our adoration is grounded in who God truly is, leading to a more profound and meaningful connection with Him. This concept resonates with New Testament teachings, such as Paul's emphasis on [praying and singing with the understanding](/1_corinthians/14-15 "1 Corinthians 14:15 - Praying and Singing with the Understanding"), which contrasts with speaking in tongues without interpretation. It ensures that our worship is not just an experience, but a thoughtful and intentional act of homage to the sovereign King of the universe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 47:7, with its declaration of God as "King of all the earth" and its call to intelligent praise, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament proclaims Yahweh's universal kingship, the New Testament reveals that this divine dominion is now fully vested in the Son. Jesus, the incarnate God, is the one to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). His life, death, resurrection, and ascension establish His cosmic reign, making Him the [head over every rule and authority](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Head Over All Rule and Authority"). The call to "sing praises with understanding" becomes a call to worship Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and truth (cf. [Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-20 - Christ's Supremacy")). Our understanding of God's kingship is perfected in understanding the person and work of Jesus, the Lamb who was slain and is now enthroned as [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). Therefore, Christian worship, in its deepest sense, is a Christ-centered act of intelligent adoration, acknowledging His present reign and anticipating the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship.

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

Zechariah 14:9

And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Psalms 47:8

God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

1 Corinthians 14:14

For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

1 Corinthians 14:15

¶ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Psalms 47:2

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