The Universal King
Psalm 47:1-9
O clap your hands, all you people; shout to God with the voice of triumph.…


The Lord is here set forth as "King over all the earth." His government commands -

I. THE HOMAGE OF THE INTELLECT. "The Most High" is the Maker of heaven and earth. He is infinitely wise and holy and powerful. Not dependent upon other beings, he rules singly and done, in supreme majesty. Reason, therefore, not only confesses his right, but his fitness. Here is the repose of the mind in a perfect King.

II. THE ACQUIESCENCE OF THE CONSCIENCE. The Lord Most High is "terrible." This does not mean that he is an object of terror, but of reverence. What God does in dealing with the nations is ever the expression of judgment and righteousness. Whether it be in the temple or in the world, in manifesting himself in love to his people or in ruling over the heathen, he is ever just. His government, in its laws and administration, is absolutely pure. The throne on which he is seated is the throne of his holiness. Conscience, where it is free, cries, "Amen."

III. THE ADORATION OF THE HEART. "Sing praises." Four times this call is given. This shows both its justice and its universality. To this call, all hearts, "honest and good," respond with joy. The more we study, the better we understand, the character and the rule of God, the more fervently shall we join in the anthem of praise. "Sing praises to God." This is no mere form, no senseless outburst, like that of the men of Ephesus, who for two whole hours cried out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" (Acts 19:34). Looking to the past, contemplating the present, imaging the future, we see that, under God, all things are tending towards one great end, and therefore we can sing praises "with understanding." It has been said that "a people's voice is the proof and echo of all human fame." So as truth prevails, and men everywhere are brought under the benign and holy sway of Christ, shall they with glad enthusiasm proclaim the Name and glory of God. Learn, therefore, the evil and the folly of sin. It is rebellion against the Lord Most High! Learn also the real unity of believers. Whatever differences there may be amongst them as regards lesser things, when they utter their hearts in prayer and praise, we find that they are one. The hymns of the Church for ever witness to the unity of the Church. Learn also how all the prophets speak of Christ and his kingdom. Their words had higher meanings than they knew of. Consciously or unconsciously, but moved by the Holy Ghost, they spake of the glories of the latter day.

"Come then, and, added to thy many crowns, Receive yet one, the crown of all the earth, Thou who alone art worthy." W.F.



Parallel Verses
KJV: {To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.} O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

WEB: Oh clap your hands, all you nations. Shout to God with the voice of triumph!




The Praiseworthy and the Faultworthy in Worship
Top of Page
Top of Page