◄ Psalm 47:3 ►
He subdues nations beneath us, and peoples under our feet.
Study Bible
He subdues nations
This phrase highlights God's sovereign power over all the earth. The Hebrew root for "subdues" is "כָּבַשׁ" (kavash), which means to bring into bondage or to tread down. This word conveys the idea of God exercising His authority to bring nations under His control. Historically, this reflects the numerous instances in the Old Testament where God intervened in the affairs of nations, demonstrating His supreme authority. From a scriptural context, this phrase reassures believers of God's ultimate control over world events, encouraging trust in His divine plan.

under us
The phrase "under us" signifies the position of victory and dominion granted to God's people. In the context of ancient Israel, this would have been understood as God's promise to give them victory over their enemies. Theologically, it points to the spiritual authority believers have through Christ. This phrase is a reminder of the inheritance and authority given to the children of God, emphasizing that through faith, believers are more than conquerors.

and peoples beneath our feet
This part of the verse continues the theme of dominion and victory. The word "peoples" refers to various ethnic groups or nations, indicating the comprehensive scope of God's power. The imagery of being "beneath our feet" is one of complete subjugation and triumph. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of Christ over all powers and authorities, as described in the New Testament. For believers, it is an assurance of the final victory over sin and evil, reinforcing the hope and confidence in God's eternal kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
- The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the sovereign ruler who subdues nations and peoples.

2. Nations
- Refers to the various groups and countries that God brings under His control.

3. Peoples
- Represents the individuals within those nations who are also subdued by God's power.

4. Israel
- The implied audience and beneficiaries of God's actions, representing God's chosen people.

5. Psalmist
- The author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who expresses praise for God's sovereignty.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control of all nations and peoples. His authority is supreme, and He orchestrates events according to His divine plan.

Victory in God
Understand that true victory comes from God. As believers, we can trust in His power to overcome obstacles and adversaries in our lives.

Spiritual Warfare
Acknowledge that the subduing of nations is not just a physical act but also a spiritual reality. God empowers us to overcome spiritual battles.

Trust in God's Plan
Have faith in God's timing and methods. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, God is working to bring about His purposes.

Unity in Christ
Embrace the unity we have in Christ, as He has brought all things under His authority, uniting us as one body in Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations impact your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can you apply the concept of God subduing nations to personal challenges you face?

3. How does the imagery of placing enemies under our feet encourage you in your spiritual walk?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where God demonstrates His power over nations and peoples?

5. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan when facing uncertainty or adversity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 7:24
- This verse speaks of God delivering kings into the hands of Israel, similar to the subduing of nations in Psalm 47:3.

Joshua 10:24
- Joshua commands the leaders of Israel to place their feet on the necks of defeated kings, symbolizing God's victory over nations.

Romans 16:20
- Paul speaks of God crushing Satan under the feet of believers, echoing the theme of subduing enemies.

Ephesians 1:22
- Describes Christ as having all things under His feet, highlighting God's ultimate authority and power.
Sermons
A Song for All the Peoples!C. Clemance Psalm 47:1-9
Messianic Triumph PredictedA. Maclaren, D. D.Psalm 47:1-9
The Praiseworthy and the Faultworthy in WorshipHomilistPsalm 47:1-9
The Universal KingW. Forsyth Psalm 47:1-9
The Universal Sovereignty of GodC. Short Psalm 47:1-9
People
Jacob, Korah, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Leadeth, Nations, Peoples, Subdue, Subdued, Subdues, Subdueth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 47:3

     5151   feet

Library
A Wise Desire
I remember once going to a chapel where this happened to be the text, and the good man who occupied the pulpit was more than a little of an Arminian. Therefore, when he commenced, he said, "This passage refers entirely to our temporal inheritance. It has nothing whatever to do with our everlasting destiny: for," said he, "We do not want Christ to choose for us in the matter of heaven or hell. It is so plain and easy that every man who has a grain of common sense will choose heaven; and any person …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Tenth Sunday after Trinity. As the Hart Panteth after the Water Brooks, Even So Panteth My Soul after Thee, O God.
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, even so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. Nach dir, o Gott verlanget mich [107]Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick. 1667. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 O God, I long Thy Light to see, My God, I hourly think on Thee; Oh draw me up, nor hide Thy face, But help me from Thy holy place. As toward her sun the sunflower turns, Towards Thee, my Sun my spirit yearns; Oh would that free from sin I might Thus follow evermore Thy Light! But sin hath so within …
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

The Work of Christ.
The great work which the Lord Jesus Christ, God's well beloved Son, came to do was to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. This finished work of the cross is the basis of His present work and His future work. What mind can estimate the value and preciousness of that work in which the Holy One offered Himself through the eternal Spirit without spot unto God! He procured redemption by His death on the cross. In His present work and much more in the future work, He works out this great redemption …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

His Future Work
The Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work on earth the Father gave Him to do, who is now bodily present in the highest heaven, occupying the Father's throne and exercising His priesthood in behalf of His people, is also King. To Him belongeth a Kingdom and a kingly Glory. He has therefore a kingly work to do. While His past work was foretold by the Spirit of God and His priestly work foreshadowed in the Old Testament, His work as King and His glorious Kingdom to come are likewise the subjects …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? Cardinal Cajetan, On Preparation for the Contemplative Life S. Augustine, Confessions, X., xliii. 70 " On Psalm xxvi. II. Is the Active Life more Meritorious than the Contemplative? III. Is the Active Life a Hindrance to the Contemplative Life? Cardinal Cajetan, On the True Interior Life S. Augustine, Sermon, CCLVI., v. 6 IV. Does the Active Life precede the Contemplative? I Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? The Lord …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

The Joy of the Lord.
IT is written "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Every child of God knows in some measure what it is to rejoice in the Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ must ever be the sole object of the believer's joy, and as eyes and heart look upon Him, we, too, like "the strangers scattered abroad" to whom Peter wrote shall "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Pet. i:8). But it is upon our heart to meditate with our beloved readers on the joy of our adorable Lord, as his own personal joy. The …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Psalm 47:3 NIV
Psalm 47:3 NLT
Psalm 47:3 ESV
Psalm 47:3 NASB
Psalm 47:3 KJV

Psalm 47:3 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 47:2
Top of Page
Top of Page