Psalm 47:7

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

Study Bible

For God is King of all the earth;
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the entire world, not just Israel. It reflects the monotheistic belief that God is the supreme ruler over all nations and creation. This concept is echoed in other scriptures such as Psalm 24:1, which states, "The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it." Historically, this declaration would have been counter-cultural in a polytheistic world where many gods were worshiped. Theologically, it points to God's ultimate authority and foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Christ's universal reign, as seen in Philippians 2:9-11, where every knee shall bow to Jesus.

sing to Him a psalm of praise.
The call to sing a psalm of praise is an invitation to worship God through music and song, a common practice in ancient Israelite culture. The Psalms themselves are a collection of songs and prayers used in worship. This phrase underscores the importance of worship as a response to God's kingship. In the context of the Psalms, singing is not just an expression of joy but also a declaration of faith and trust in God's rule. This act of worship is seen throughout the Bible, including in the New Testament, where Paul and Silas sing hymns to God in prison (Acts 16:25), demonstrating that praise is a powerful expression of faith regardless of circumstances.

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.