Psalm 47:5

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD with the sound of the horn.

Study Bible

God has ascended
The phrase "God has ascended" evokes a powerful image of divine majesty and authority. The Hebrew root for "ascended" is "עָלָה" (alah), which means to go up, to rise, or to be exalted. This imagery is reminiscent of a king ascending to his throne, symbolizing God's supreme rule over all creation. Historically, this can be linked to the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem, representing God's presence among His people. Spiritually, it foreshadows Christ's ascension into heaven, affirming His victory over sin and death and His eternal reign.

amid shouts of joy
The "shouts of joy" reflect the exuberant praise and celebration of God's people. The Hebrew word "תְּרוּעָה" (teruah) signifies a loud, joyful noise, often associated with victory or celebration. This phrase captures the communal aspect of worship, where the congregation collectively acknowledges God's greatness and triumph. In a historical context, such shouts would accompany significant events like military victories or religious festivals, emphasizing the communal joy in God's deliverance and sovereignty.

the LORD
The term "the LORD" is a translation of the Hebrew "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with His people. It underscores His faithfulness and unchanging character. In the context of this psalm, it highlights that the One who ascends is not just any deity, but the covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is worthy of all honor and praise.

with the sound of the horn
The "sound of the horn" refers to the blowing of the shofar, a ram's horn, which was used in ancient Israel for various purposes, including religious ceremonies, signaling in battle, and marking significant events. The Hebrew word "שׁוֹפָר" (shofar) is rich in symbolism, representing both a call to worship and a proclamation of God's kingship. The use of the shofar in this verse signifies a divine announcement, a call to attention, and a celebration of God's enthronement. It serves as a reminder of God's presence and power, echoing through the ages as a call to recognize His sovereignty and to respond with reverence and joy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The central figure in this verse, representing the divine presence and authority. The ascension signifies His sovereignty and kingship.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His relationship with His people and His role as their ruler.

3. Shouts of Joy
The response of the people to God's ascension, indicating celebration and reverence.

4. Sound of the Horn
A shofar or trumpet, used in ancient Israel for signaling important events, such as the coronation of a king or a call to worship.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Kingship
Recognize and celebrate God's ultimate authority over all creation. His ascension is a reminder of His rightful place as King.

Joyful Worship
Engage in worship with joy and reverence, acknowledging God's presence and power in our lives. Our worship should reflect the joy and celebration seen in this verse.

The Role of Symbols in Worship
Understand the significance of symbols like the horn in worship. They serve as reminders of God's past actions and His promises for the future.

Anticipation of Christ's Return
Live with the expectation of Christ's return, as the sound of the horn in Psalm 47:5 foreshadows the trumpet call at the second coming.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of God ascending amid shouts of joy influence your understanding of His sovereignty?

2. In what ways can we incorporate joyful worship into our daily lives, reflecting the celebration in Psalm 47:5?

3. How does the use of the horn in this verse connect to other biblical events where trumpets or horns are significant?

4. What parallels can you draw between God's ascension in Psalm 47:5 and the ascension of Jesus in the New Testament?

5. How does the anticipation of Christ's return, as symbolized by the sound of the horn, impact your daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 47:1-4
These verses set the context for verse 5, describing God's universal reign and His subduing of nations, which leads to the celebration in verse 5.

Acts 1:9-11
The ascension of Jesus into heaven parallels God's ascension in Psalm 47:5, highlighting the continuity of God's sovereign rule through Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:16
The sound of the trumpet at Christ's return echoes the sound of the horn in Psalm 47:5, symbolizing divine intervention and the gathering of God's people.