Psalm 47:7

For God is King of all the earth; sing profound praises to Him.

Study Bible

For God is King
The phrase "For God is King" establishes the sovereignty and supreme authority of God over all creation. The Hebrew word for "King" here is "Melek," which signifies a ruler with absolute power and dominion. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king was not only a political leader but also a spiritual figure, often seen as a representative of the divine. This phrase reminds believers that God’s kingship transcends earthly realms, affirming His ultimate control and governance over the universe. It calls Christians to recognize and submit to His divine authority, acknowledging that His rule is just, righteous, and eternal.

of all the earth
This phrase emphasizes the universality of God's reign. The Hebrew word for "earth" is "erets," which can mean land, country, or the entire world. In the context of this psalm, it underscores that God's kingship is not limited to Israel or a specific group of people but extends to all nations and peoples. Historically, this was a radical assertion in a time when many cultures worshiped localized deities. For the conservative Christian, this is a powerful reminder of the Great Commission, urging believers to spread the Gospel to all corners of the earth, recognizing that every nation is under God's sovereign rule.

sing profound praises to Him
The call to "sing profound praises to Him" is an invitation to worship God with depth and sincerity. The Hebrew word for "sing" is "zamar," which involves making music or singing with instruments. "Profound praises" suggests a level of worship that is thoughtful, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in the understanding of God's majesty and grace. This phrase encourages believers to engage in worship that is not superficial but is instead a genuine expression of reverence and adoration. It reflects the biblical principle that worship should be an integral part of a believer's life, a response to the recognition of God's kingship and His wondrous deeds. In a conservative Christian context, this underscores the importance of worship as a communal and personal act of devotion, aligning one's heart and mind with the truth of God's eternal reign.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The central figure in this verse, recognized as the sovereign King over all the earth. This highlights His supreme authority and dominion.

2. The Earth
Represents all of creation, emphasizing the universality of God's reign.

3. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who are calling for worship and recognition of God's kingship.

4. Israel
The original audience of the Psalm, who would understand the call to worship within the context of their covenant relationship with God.

5. Nations
Implicitly included as subjects under God's kingship, pointing to the universal scope of His rule.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
Recognize and affirm God's ultimate authority over all creation. This acknowledgment should lead to a life of worship and submission to His will.

Universal Worship
Understand that worship is not limited to a specific group but is a call for all nations and peoples. Our worship should reflect this inclusivity.

Profound Praise
Engage in worship that is deep and meaningful, not just routine or superficial. This involves both personal devotion and corporate worship.

Joyful Acknowledgment
Embrace the joy that comes from recognizing God's kingship. Let this joy permeate your life and interactions with others.

Mission and Evangelism
As God is King of all the earth, there is a call to share this truth with others, inviting them into the worship of the one true King.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does recognizing God as King of all the earth influence your daily decisions and priorities?

2. In what ways can you incorporate more profound praise into your personal and corporate worship experiences?

3. How does the understanding of God's universal kingship impact your view of global missions and evangelism?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your worship is inclusive and reflective of God's call for all nations to praise Him?

5. How can the joy of acknowledging God's kingship transform your interactions with others in your community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 24:1
This verse also speaks of God's ownership and kingship over the earth, reinforcing the theme of His universal reign.

Philippians 2:10-11
These verses describe every knee bowing and every tongue confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, connecting to the idea of God's ultimate authority over all.

Revelation 19:16
Refers to Jesus as "King of kings and Lord of lords," which aligns with the declaration of God's kingship in Psalm 47:7.