Psalm 47:6 Study Bible: Sing praise to God, sing praises. Sing praises to our King, sing praises.

◄ Psalm 47:6 ►

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!

Sing praises
The phrase "Sing praises" is a call to worship and adoration, emphasizing the importance of music and song in expressing reverence to God. The Hebrew root for "sing praises" is "zamar," which means to make music or to sing. This word is often associated with playing instruments and vocal expressions of joy and gratitude. Historically, singing praises was a central part of Israelite worship, as seen in the temple services and various feasts. It reflects a heart posture of joy and celebration, acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness.

to God
The phrase "to God" directs the focus of the praise. The Hebrew word for God here is "Elohim," a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This name for God is used throughout the Old Testament to emphasize His supreme authority and creative power. In the context of Psalm 47, it underscores the reason for the praise: God is the ultimate ruler and deserving of all honor and glory. This phrase reminds believers that their worship is directed to the one true God, who is above all.

sing praises
The repetition of "sing praises" in this verse highlights the importance and urgency of worship. In Hebrew poetry, repetition is a common device used to emphasize a point. Here, it serves to reinforce the call to worship and the joy that should accompany it. The act of singing praises is not just a ritual but a heartfelt response to God's greatness and deeds. It encourages believers to engage fully in worship, both individually and corporately.

to our King
The phrase "to our King" personalizes the act of worship, acknowledging God as the sovereign ruler over His people. The term "King" in Hebrew is "melek," which signifies authority, leadership, and protection. By referring to God as "our King," the psalmist emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a reminder of God's rule over the nations and His special care for those who belong to Him. This phrase invites believers to submit to God's reign and to find security and identity in His kingship.

sing praises
The third repetition of "sing praises" serves to create a crescendo of worship, building upon the previous calls to praise. It suggests an ongoing, continuous act of worship that is not limited to a single moment but is a lifestyle. This repetition encourages believers to maintain a spirit of praise in all circumstances, recognizing that God's worthiness of praise is constant. It also reflects the communal aspect of worship, as the call to sing is directed to the congregation, inviting all to join in the celebration of God's majesty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The central figure in this verse, God is the recipient of praise and worship. The psalm emphasizes His sovereignty and kingship.

2. King
Refers to God as the ultimate ruler and sovereign, highlighting His authority over all creation.

3. Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, the authors of this psalm, who call the people to worship.

4. Israel
The nation of Israel, God's chosen people, who are often the primary audience for the psalms.

5. Worship Gathering
The context of this verse suggests a communal setting where people gather to sing praises.

Teaching Points

The Call to Worship
This verse is a clear call to worship, emphasizing the importance of singing praises to God. Worship is not just a personal act but a communal one, inviting others to join in glorifying God.

Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
By referring to God as "our King," the psalmist reminds us of God's ultimate authority and reign over all aspects of life. Recognizing His kingship should lead us to trust and submit to His will.

Joyful Expression
Singing praises is an expression of joy and gratitude. It is a reminder that worship should be heartfelt and enthusiastic, reflecting our love and reverence for God.

Consistency in Worship
The repetition of "sing praises" underscores the importance of regular and consistent worship. It is not a one-time act but a continual practice in the life of a believer.

Unity in Worship
The communal aspect of singing praises highlights the unity among believers. Worship brings us together, transcending individual differences and focusing on our shared faith in God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does recognizing God as "our King" influence your daily life and decisions?

2. In what ways can you incorporate more joyful expressions of worship into your personal and communal life?

3. How does the act of singing praises help you to focus on God's sovereignty and goodness?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure consistency in your worship practices?

5. How can you encourage unity and participation in worship within your church or community group?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 95:1-2
This passage also calls for joyful singing and praise to God, emphasizing His role as the rock of salvation.

Philippians 4:4
Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, which aligns with the call to sing praises.

Revelation 19:6
Describes a heavenly scene of worship, where a great multitude praises God, echoing the call to worship in Psalm 47:6.

1 Chronicles 16:9
Encourages singing to the Lord and proclaiming His deeds, similar to the exhortation in Psalm 47:6.

Sermons

A Song for All the Peoples!	C. Clemance	Psalm 47:1-9
Messianic Triumph Predicted	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Psalm 47:1-9
The Praiseworthy and the Faultworthy in Worship	Homilist	Psalm 47:1-9
The Universal King	W. Forsyth	Psalm 47:1-9
The Universal Sovereignty of God	C. Short	Psalm 47:1-9

People

Jacob, Korah, Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Praise, Praises, Psalms, Sing, Songs

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Psalm 47:6

7960 singing

Psalm 47:6-8

5366 king
5369 kingship, divine

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

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