the great King over all the earth!
This phrase highlights God's universal reign, not limited to Israel but extending over the entire earth. It reflects the biblical theme of God's kingdom, as seen in Psalm 103:19, where His kingdom rules over all. The concept of God as "King" is central to the understanding of His authority and governance. In the historical context, earthly kings were seen as powerful rulers, but this verse elevates God as the ultimate King. This also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as King of Kings, as seen in Revelation 19:16, affirming His dominion and authority over all nations and peoples.

• The psalmist begins with a burst of astonishment. “How awesome” is not casual admiration; it is wide–eyed, heart–racing reverence.

• Scripture repeatedly links God’s “awesome” nature with His miraculous acts—parting seas, toppling walls, shaking prisons. Exodus 15:11 declares, “Who is like You—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”

• This sense of wonder is meant to move us: Psalm 66:3 urges, “Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your deeds!’” Awe becomes worship when we voice it.

• The verse calls every reader to pause and let holy fear replace boredom or routine. In Psalm 99:1, “The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble!” Trembling doesn’t negate joy; it deepens it.

• “LORD” (YHWH) is God’s covenant name—reminding us He keeps every promise.

• “Most High” lifts Him above every power, ruler, angel, idol, or human authority. Psalm 97:9 proclaims, “For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.”

• Because He is “Most High,” no circumstance outranks Him. When fears rise, Psalm 83:18 anchors us: “You alone… are Most High over all the earth.”

• Our daily prayers, plans, and problems are submitted to the One who already reigns at the pinnacle of reality.

• Kingship speaks of absolute authority. The psalm does not present God as a mere tribal deity but “the great King.”

• Psalm 95:3 affirms, “The LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.” His greatness is qualitative (infinitely superior) and quantitative (reigning everywhere).

• Malachi 1:14 echoes, “I am a great King… and My name is to be feared among the nations.”

• The New Testament confirms the same throne: 1 Timothy 6:15 calls Jesus “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings.” Revelation 19:16 inscribes the title on His robe.

• Practically, acknowledging Him as King means:

– I obey His Word without editing it.

– I trust His decrees even when culture objects.

– I worship Him exclusively, resisting rival “kings” of money, approval, or self.

• The scope of His reign is universal, not limited to Israel, church buildings, or private spirituality. “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1).

• Jesus confirmed this after the resurrection: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18).

• Acts 17:24 reminds us, “The God who made the world… is Lord of heaven and earth.” Every continent, culture, and courtroom ultimately answers to Him.

• Revelation 11:15 looks ahead: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” History is moving toward public, uncontested acknowledgment of His rule.

Psalm 47:2 piles phrase upon phrase to stretch our vision: God is breathtakingly awesome, exalted as the covenant‐keeping LORD, unrivaled as the great King, and sovereign over every square inch of the planet. The verse invites us to trade small thoughts of God for true, Scripture‐sized awe, to submit joyfully to His kingship, and to live every moment in light of His worldwide reign.

Terrible.--Literally, feared. (Comp. 2Chronicles 20:29).