Psalms 47:9

The princes of the people are gathered together, [even] the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth [belong] unto God: he is greatly exalted.

The princes {H5081} of the people {H5971} are gathered together {H622}{H8738)}, even the people {H5971} of the God {H430} of Abraham {H85}: for the shields {H4043} of the earth {H776} belong unto God {H430}: he is greatly {H3966} exalted {H5927}{H8738)}.

The leaders of the people gather together, the people of the God of Avraham; for the rulers of the earth belong to God, who is exalted on high.

The nobles of the nations have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham; for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted.

The princes of the peoples are gathered together To bethe people of the God of Abraham; For the shields of the earth belong unto God: He is greatly exalted.

Commentary on Psalms 47:9

Psalms 47:9 declares the universal sovereignty of God, portraying a future or present reality where earthly powers acknowledge His supreme authority. This verse climaxes a psalm that celebrates God's kingship over all the earth, inviting all peoples to clap their hands and shout to God with the voice of triumph.

Context

Psalm 47 is often considered a "Coronation Psalm" or a psalm celebrating God's ascension and kingship. It likely served a liturgical purpose, perhaps in a procession of the Ark of the Covenant or as a prophetic vision of God's ultimate reign over all nations. The preceding verses emphasize God's triumph over His enemies (Psalms 47:3), His choice of inheritance for Israel (Psalms 47:4), and His ascension with a shout (Psalms 47:5). Verse 9 acts as a powerful conclusion, depicting the ultimate recognition of His reign by the world's leaders.

Key Themes

  • Universal Sovereignty of God: The verse highlights that God is not merely the God of Israel, but the King over all the earth. The "princes of the people" (referring to leaders or nobles from various nations) are depicted as gathering, suggesting their submission or allegiance to Him.
  • The God of Abraham's Covenant: Identifying God as "the God of Abraham" underscores His faithfulness to His covenant promises, which ultimately included blessing all nations through Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:3). This suggests that the gathering of Gentile leaders under God's authority is a fulfillment of this ancient promise.
  • Divine Authority over Earthly Rulers: The phrase "the shields of the earth belong unto God" is a powerful metaphor. "Shields" represent rulers, protectors, or mighty warriors—those who defend and govern nations. This declaration asserts that all earthly power, authority, and protection ultimately originate from and are subject to God. No earthly power is truly autonomous; all derive their existence and function from Him (Romans 13:1).
  • God's Exaltation: The concluding statement, "he is greatly exalted," summarizes the psalm's central message. God's supreme authority leads to His ultimate glory and worship by all creation.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew phrase for "princes of the people" is n’divei ‘ammim (נְדִיבֵי עַמִּים), which can be translated as "nobles of the peoples" or "willing ones of the peoples." This implies that even foreign leaders, perhaps initially hostile, will willingly join or submit to the "people of the God of Abraham."
  • "Shields of the earth" comes from the Hebrew maginnei eretz (מָגִנֵּי אֶרֶץ). A shield is a symbol of defense, protection, and authority. Attributing these "shields" to God means that all true power, security, and governance on earth are His rightful possession and under His ultimate control.

Practical Application

Psalms 47:9 offers profound encouragement and a call to worship. In a world often marked by political instability and the rise and fall of nations, this verse reminds us that there is a higher authority. God remains in control, and ultimately, all earthly powers will bow before Him. This truth should inspire confidence in His divine plan and motivate believers to trust in His sovereign hand, knowing that the "shields of the earth" are ultimately His. It also points to a future hope where all peoples will acknowledge and worship the one true God, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 89:18

    For the LORD [is] our defence; and the Holy One of Israel [is] our king.

  • Genesis 49:10

    The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

  • Psalms 72:7

    In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

  • Psalms 72:9

    They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

  • Genesis 17:7

    ¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

  • Genesis 17:8

    And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

  • Exodus 3:6

    Moreover he said, I [am] the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

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