Psalm 47

We live in a day of increased isolation of the nation of Israel.  It is interesting that it was not brought about by the attacks of the surrounding nations, such as in Israel’s war of independence or in the 6-day or Yom Kippur wars.  Nor was it the result of two major intifadas.  Rather it is coming about by an effective program of dis-information calling for BDS: boycott of Israeli goods, divestment from Israeli businesses, and international sanctions against Israel. 

We say “dis-information” because the goals of the BDS movement call for Israel to do the very things that would give Israel’s enemies the upper hand in bringing about her destruction.  Nevertheless this movement is gaining momentum, especially in Europe and in the United States so that Israel feels the pinch from former friends. 

This increased isolation is not a surprise from a Biblical point of view.  It is in fact predicted.  The Bible indicates that in latter days Israel will become more and more isolated from and persecuted by the nations.  There will come a time when a deceptive international leader will come to Israel’s aid, making a covenant with her to provide protection, only to break that covenant after three and a half years, leaving them with no friends at all (Daniel 9:24-27).

 All of this is to give some backdrop to this amazing Psalm.  The message of Psalm 47 is, we believe, easy to understand.  Here is a brief summary.

·         God will exalt Israel over all her enemies (v1-4).  “All you peoples” will the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth, subdues Israel’s enemies and makes her to excel.  The name of God “LORD Most High” is the one that is used of Israel’s God in relationship to the nations; He is the God above the gods of every nation. 

·         God will do this in order to exalt Himself (v5-7).  He takes this small nation, which He made His special treasure (Deut. 7:1-11, esp. v6), and exalts them over all her enemies.  But the point in it all is God’s own glory and honor. 

·         God will do this in such a way that all nations, including Israel itself, will be subject to Him (v8-9).  He will reign from His holy throne!

The point is simple.  A small, despised nation is the seat of authority over all nations, so that the LORD who brings it about is recognized as God Most High!  But why should this be a surprise?  Is this not God’s method always?  Is He not the God who works through our weaknesses so that He receives glory (2 Cor. 12:7-10)?  De we not carry about the treasure of the Holy Spirit in “earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7)?  Has He not chosen the foolish, the weak, the base, the despised and the “things which are not” as His prime instruments so that no flesh should glory in His presence (1 Cor. 1:26-29). 

Let us not wait for the “dispensation of the fullness of the times” (Eph. 1:10) when all things are brought together under the Messiah.  Let us now do what this Psalm says is our proper response to the King of all the earth: sing praises, sing praises, sing praises!!!  By His grace and Spirit may our lives be a living hymn of praise as God exalts Himself through our weaknesses.