Psalm 47: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 47 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

All nations are called to praise Yahweh, clapping their hands and shouting with triumph (vv. 1-2). Yahweh is identified as Most High and the great King over all the earth. He subdues nations and peoples, choosing an inheritance for His people, the glory of Jacob (vv. 3-4). Yahweh ascends with a shout, accompanied by the sound of a trumpet (v. 5). The psalmist urges the people to sing praises to God as King, calling for praises sung with understanding (vv. 6-7). God reigns over the nations and sits on His holy throne. The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham, recognizing that everything belongs to God and that He is greatly exalted (vv. 8-9).

Key verse

“For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with understanding.”
Psalms 47:7 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 47:1–2 Call to Praise the King
Psalm 47:3–4 God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Psalm 47:5–7 God's Ascension and Majesty
Psalm 47:8–9 The Gathering of Nations

Discussion questions

In v1, what action does the psalmist call all nations to take?
What does the phrase 'the glory of Jacob whom he loved' in v4 refer to?
The phrase 'God has gone up with a shout' in v5: what does this suggest about God's presence?
In v9, why are the 'princes of the peoples' gathered together?
When have you felt compelled to 'sing praises' as mentioned in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 47: Psalm 68, Psalm 98, Psalm 89.

Before next time: read Psalm 48.