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    Psalms 47 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 47 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 47

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    Psalms 47 Summary

    Psalm 47 is a jubilant hymn celebrating God as the King over all the earth. The psalmist calls on all nations to clap their hands and shout to God with cries of joy.

    This psalm envisions God's universal reign, subduing nations and ascending His throne amid shouts of praise. It has traditionally been associated with the Ascension of Christ and is used liturgically in many traditions.

    Key Themes

    God as universal KingJoyful worshipGod's sovereignty over nationsAscension

    Key Verses in Psalms 47

    "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy."

    — Psalms 47:1

    An exuberant call for all peoples—not just Israel—to worship God.

    "For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise."

    — Psalms 47:7

    Declares God's universal sovereignty beyond any national boundary.

    Life Application

    Worship is not meant to be reserved or quiet. Let your praise reflect the magnitude of the God who reigns over all the earth.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is Psalm 47 associated with the Ascension?

    Verse 5—'God has ascended amid shouts of joy'—has been traditionally connected to Christ's ascension to heaven.

    Is Psalm 47 only for Israel?

    No, it explicitly calls on 'all nations' to worship God, reflecting His universal kingship.

    Psalm 47 Commentary & Reflection

    Praise
    Exuberant, triumphant

    Best read for: Corporate worship, celebrations, missions

    Overview of Psalm 47: Clap Your Hands, All Peoples

    Psalm 47 is a joyful enthronement psalm calling all nations to clap their hands and shout unto God with triumph. God is the great King over all the earth who subdues peoples and chooses our inheritance. He ascends with a shout, and the princes of the people gather as the people of the God of Abraham. God reigns over the nations from His holy throne.

    Key Themes

    Joy
    God as King
    All Nations
    Triumph

    Key Verses to Remember

    “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
    — Psalm 47:1 (KJV)
    “For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.”
    — Psalm 47:7 (KJV)

    Reflection

    This is a global invitation — not just Israel, but all peoples are called to worship. God's reign isn't restricted by geography or ethnicity. He is King over all the earth.

    Historical Context

    This enthronement psalm celebrates God as King over all nations—not just Israel. The clapping, shouting, and trumpet blasts suggest a liturgical reenactment of the Ark's procession into Jerusalem, with God symbolically ascending His throne. Jewish tradition associates this psalm with Rosh Hashanah (the Feast of Trumpets), and it is read seven times before the shofar is blown.

    How to Apply Psalm 47 Today

    Worship is not a spectator sport. This psalm commands clapping, shouting, and active celebration. If your worship has become passive or routine, intentionally engage your body: raise your hands, sing loudly, clap with genuine joy. Physical expressions of praise often unlock emotional and spiritual breakthroughs.

    A Prayer from Psalm 47

    O clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome—He is a great King over all the earth. God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth. Amen.

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