◄ Psalm 47:9 ►
The nobles of the nations have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham; for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted.
Study Bible
The nobles of the nations have assembled
This phrase suggests a gathering of leaders from various nations, indicating a universal recognition of God's sovereignty. Historically, such assemblies were common in ancient times for political or religious purposes. This gathering can be seen as a foreshadowing of the eschatological vision in Revelation 7:9, where a multitude from every nation worships God. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3).

as the people of the God of Abraham;
This phrase emphasizes the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community, a theme that runs throughout the Bible. Abraham is a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, representing faith and obedience to God. The reference to "the God of Abraham" underscores the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, where believers in Christ are considered spiritual descendants of Abraham (Galatians 3:29).

for the shields of the earth belong to God;
"Shields" symbolize protection and military power, suggesting that all earthly authority and defense ultimately come under God's control. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers, as seen in passages like Daniel 2:21, where God is described as the one who changes times and seasons and deposes kings. It reassures believers of God's ultimate authority and protection.

He is highly exalted.
This final phrase affirms God's supreme position above all creation. It echoes the doxologies found throughout the Psalms and other scriptures, such as Philippians 2:9-11, where Jesus is exalted by God and every knee bows to Him. This exaltation is both a present reality and a future hope, pointing to the ultimate victory and reign of God over all the earth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nobles of the Nations
These are the leaders or influential figures from various nations. In the context of this Psalm, they are seen as gathering together, acknowledging the sovereignty of God.

2. People of the God of Abraham
This phrase refers to the descendants of Abraham, the Israelites, who are in a covenant relationship with God. It also extends to all who have faith in God, as Abraham is considered the father of faith.

3. God of Abraham
This title emphasizes God's covenantal relationship with Abraham and his descendants, highlighting His faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

4. Shields of the Earth
This metaphor represents the protection and power that belong to God. In ancient times, shields were symbols of defense and strength.

5. Highly Exalted
This phrase underscores God's supreme authority and majesty, recognized by all nations and their leaders.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Recognize that God is in control of all nations and their leaders. This should bring comfort and assurance, especially in times of political uncertainty.

Unity Among Believers
The gathering of the nobles and the people of God signifies unity among believers. We are called to live in harmony, transcending cultural and national boundaries.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Just as God was faithful to Abraham, He remains faithful to His promises today. Trust in His covenantal love and provision.

Worship and Exaltation of God
Our response to God's sovereignty should be worship and exaltation. Make worship a central part of your life, acknowledging His greatness.

Protection and Security in God
The "shields of the earth" belonging to God remind us that our ultimate protection and security come from Him. Rely on God as your shield in life's battles.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the gathering of the "nobles of the nations" in Psalm 47:9 reflect God's plan for unity among all people?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, be considered part of the "people of the God of Abraham"?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty over the "shields of the earth" influence your perspective on current global events?

4. What are some practical ways you can exalt God in your daily life, acknowledging His supreme authority?

5. How can the promise of God's faithfulness to Abraham encourage you in your personal walk with God, especially when facing challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:1-3
God's covenant with Abraham, promising that all nations will be blessed through him, connects to the gathering of nations in Psalm 47:9.

Philippians 2:9-11
The exaltation of Christ, where every knee shall bow, parallels the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty by the nations in Psalm 47:9.

Revelation 7:9-10
The vision of a multitude from every nation worshiping God reflects the assembly of the nobles and the people of God in Psalm 47:9.
Sermons
God's ShieldsJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Psalm 47:9
The Law of ProtectionW. A. Gray.Psalm 47:9
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
Assemble, Assembled, Belong, Exalted, Gather, Gathered, God's, Greatly, Highly, Kings, Korah, Lifted, Nations, Nobles, Peoples, Powers, Princes, Psalm, Rulers, Shields, Song, Sons, Themselves, Willing-hearted
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 47:9

     4203   earth, the
     5078   Abraham, significance
     5723   nobles
     8402   claims

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 47:9 NIV
Psalm 47:9 NLT
Psalm 47:9 ESV
Psalm 47:9 NASB
Psalm 47:9 KJV

Psalm 47:9 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 47:8
Top of Page
Top of Page