What is the meaning of Psalm 47:4? He chooses our inheritance for us The verse opens with the astonishing declaration that the Lord Himself does the choosing. • He literally allotted Canaan to Israel, commanding Joshua to divide the land “as an inheritance” (Joshua 13:6–7). • The same Sovereign still appoints every good thing His people receive; “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). • In Christ, believers have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4); He alone secures it. • Ephesians 1:11 ties it together: “In Him we were also chosen…according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” Trust, then, is not passive resignation but confident rest in the God who has already mapped out our eternal portion. the pride of Jacob “Pride” here speaks of what brings glory and joy. • For Israel, the land flowing with milk and honey was a tangible sign of God’s favor (Psalm 85:1). • Zion in particular became “the joy of all the earth” (Psalm 48:2). • Even when Amos 6:8 condemns misused “pride of Jacob,” the phrase still assumes God gave something splendid—sin twisted it. • Today the Lord’s people boast, not in geography, but in the cross: “Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). The inheritance God gives is meant to be treasured and celebrated, never idolized. whom He loves Why did God choose and bless Jacob’s descendants? Love—pure, covenant, undeserved. • “The LORD set His affection on you and chose you…because the LORD loved you” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). • Jeremiah 31:3 echoes, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” • That same love reached its climax at Calvary: “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Because His love is steadfast, the inheritance is secure; it rests on His character, not our performance. Selah A call to pause, breathe, and let the truths sink in. • The psalmist peppers other songs with this cue (Psalm 46:7, 11), inviting worshippers to stop singing long enough to listen with the heart. • Here, Selah turns the verse into a moment of wonder: God chooses, God blesses, God loves—consider it carefully before rushing on. summary Psalm 47:4 underscores three linked realities: the Lord sovereignly assigns an inheritance, that inheritance is glorious, and it springs from His unchanging love. He chose land for Israel; He chooses eternal life for all who trust His Son. Our response is simple: rest in His choice, rejoice in His gift, and revel in His love—then pause and let worship rise. |
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