Psalm 47
The exaltation of the Messiah is an important theme in several psalms. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, this psalm was written by one of the sons of Korah, a Levite family involved in the musical part of Old Testament worship during the reign of King David. The psalm is a prophecy about the victory and exaltation of the Messiah to God’s right hand, which was fulfilled on Ascension day, 40 days after Christ’s resurrection. Being addressed to the chief Musician, this psalm was meant to be sung in worship.
Section one (verses 1 to 2) proclaims the note of joy and triumph, which is the theme of this psalm. All believers are summoned to express their unbounded joy to God for His majesty and glory. They rejoice with their voice in singing songs about the triumph of God and they clap their hands in thankful joy for the good things the Messiah has done. Verse 2 gives the reason for such joy: The Lord God is awesome and a great King. The Messiah is to be feared, that is, honored, respected and reverenced for His great majesty. People honor their King because of the salvation He won for them. They are not afraid of their King, who reigns over all the earth, because He cares for all who believe on Him.
Section two (verses 3 to 4) tells us what the Messiah-King will do when He comes. All descriptions relate to the Gospel. Subduing the people under His feet refers to the spiritual victory over Satan that the Holy Spirit will give through Word and Sacraments as He creates faith in the Messiah and placing them in loving subjection to Christ’s Church. Those believers, wrestled from the darkness of unbelief, cheerfully join the ranks of those who give reverence and obedience to the King as they trust in God’s Word. All believers are given an inheritance of eternal life that the Messiah won for them on the cross. The word “Jacob” represents the whole Christian Church which receives God’s love and gifts.
Section three (verses 5 to 7) gives us the reason for our shouts of triumph. Verse 5 speaks about the Messiah ascending into heaven while the holy angels sing praises to the King. The trumpet was especially used on all joyful festivals of Israel. Because of this mighty act, all believers in Christ’s Church are instructed to sing praises to the Messiah, their God and King. By His exaltation to God’s right hand, Jesus is King. Praises are not just joyful noise, they are to be sung with understanding, trust in Jesus as Savior and King.
Section four (verses 8 to 9) speaks about the reign of the ascended King. The Messiah’s rule extends over all the nations, which are given to Him as His inheritance. He sits on God’s throne at His right hand (Eph 1:20). The peoples from all nations are gathered together by faith to join the children of Abraham in praising their King. All shields and earthly weapons must be lowered before Him, for He conquers by the power of His Word which speaks about Christ’s mercy, grace and forgiveness.