April 22 / Psalm 47

Psalm 47

Psalm 47 is purely a psalm of thanksgiving and praise. One Study Bible noted that it was probably written during one of the periods of a strong monarchy, very possibly during King David’s rule. Verse 5 even suggests that it could have been written soon after David brought the ark up from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem (or in remembrance of that occasion): God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. (See II Samuel 6:1-15.) The same Study Bible also noted that the church often uses this Psalm and cites verse 5 when they celebrate Jesus’ Ascension (Acts 1).

Verses 8 and 9 also suggest that this Psalm was written during the period of a strong monarchy. There were only a few times in Jewish history when they were more powerful than the neighboring nations. There will be a future time when these verses will ring true, but I think we have to wait until Jesus returns to see that day.

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