Psalm 47 9

Psalm 47:9 kjv

The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

Psalm 47:9 nkjv

The princes of the people have gathered together, The people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.

Psalm 47:9 niv

The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

Psalm 47:9 esv

The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!

Psalm 47:9 nlt

The rulers of the world have gathered together
with the people of the God of Abraham.
For all the kings of the earth belong to God.
He is highly honored everywhere.

Psalm 47 verses

Psalm 47 9 Meaning

Psalm 47:9 declares God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and nations. It portrays a scene where the leaders of the world's peoples gather, willingly submitting to the God of Abraham. This universal submission is rooted in the truth that all power, authority, and protection—symbolized by "the shields of the earth"—belong exclusively to God, who is supremely exalted above all. It highlights God's universal reign and the eventual recognition of His dominion by all peoples, echoing the promises made to Abraham for a worldwide blessing.

Psalm 47 9 Context

Psalm 47 is an "enthronement psalm," a hymn celebrating the kingship of YHWH. It is often understood as a communal shout of acclamation recognizing God's rule over all creation and nations. The preceding verses (v. 6-8) command universal praise to God, who "reigns over the nations" and sits "on his holy throne." Verse 9 concludes this section by elaborating on the mechanism and rationale of this universal reign: the acknowledgement by earthly rulers, grounded in the Abrahamic covenant, and the inherent ownership by God of all power structures. This psalm was likely used in Israelite worship, possibly during annual festivals like Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets), which celebrated God's sovereignty, or the Feast of Tabernacles, envisioning the ingathering of nations. The reference to "the God of Abraham" ties God's universal reign back to the original covenant promises, extending blessing to all peoples through Abraham's line. It serves as a strong polemic against the polytheistic views of surrounding nations, asserting that only the God of Israel is the true sovereign over all.

Psalm 47 9 Word analysis

• The princes of the people (נְדִיבֵי עַמִּים - nedivey ammim):

  • Nedivey means nobles, generous ones, willing ones, leaders. It denotes those of high social standing and authority.
  • Ammim is the plural of 'am (people), specifically referring to nations or ethnic groups, indicating a universal scope.
  • This phrase refers to the rulers and dignitaries of various nations, not just Israel.
  • Their "gathering" implies not necessarily an act of aggression but an assembly of recognition, perhaps for tribute, worship, or submission.

• are gathered together (נֶאֱסָפוּ - ne'esafu):

  • This is a passive verb, suggesting they are assembled, indicating a divinely orchestrated event or a willing convergence.
  • It points to their collective recognition or submission to God's authority.

• the people of the God of Abraham (עַם אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם - 'am 'elohei 'avraham):

  • This is a crucial appositional phrase. It can mean either the princes themselves become "the people of the God of Abraham" through their submission, or it refers to the literal descendants of Abraham (Israel) being the catalyst or point of reference for this gathering.
  • Given the broader context of nations coming to God (Isa 2, Zech 8), the former (universal inclusion) is a strong implication, or at least that these rulers are submitting to the God whom Abraham's people worship.
  • Connecting to "God of Abraham" grounds the universal scope of the psalm in God's covenantal promise to Abraham that "all families of the earth will be blessed" through him (Gen 12:3). This highlights the theological link between Israel's covenant God and His ultimate universal dominion.

• for the shields of the earth (כִּי לֵאלֹהִים מָגִנֵּי אֶרֶץ - ki le'elohim maginnei 'erets):

  • Ki means "for" or "because," providing the reason for the rulers' gathering and submission.
  • Maginnei is the plural of magen, meaning shield. Metaphorically, "shields of the earth" typically refer to the rulers, princes, or mighty ones who are considered the protectors or defenses of their lands. It symbolizes power, authority, and the means of protection.
  • This is a direct assertion of divine ownership and control over all earthly power structures.

• belong unto God (לֵאלֹהִים - le'elohim):

  • The possessive particle le ("to" or "for") preceding "God" explicitly states that these "shields" (rulers, powers) are God's possession.
  • It signifies His ultimate ownership, authority, and disposal over all earthly governments and defensive capabilities.

• he is greatly exalted (מְאֹד נַעֲלָה - me'od na'alah):

  • Me'od means "very much" or "greatly," emphasizing the degree of exaltation.
  • Na'alah is from the verb alah meaning "to go up," "ascend," or "be high." In this form, it denotes supreme elevation, preeminence, and sovereignty.
  • This serves as the triumphant conclusion, summarizing the central theme of God's universal and unrivaled reign and supreme majesty.

Psalm 47 9 Bonus section

The inclusion of "the God of Abraham" within this celebration of universal kingship bridges two significant theological concepts: the specific covenant relationship with Israel through Abraham, and God's cosmic, universal dominion. It demonstrates that God's plan for a chosen people was never exclusive, but always designed to reveal His glory and blessings to all nations. This verse implies an inclusive trajectory where the specific revelation through Israel ultimately broadens to embrace all humanity under the kingship of YHWH. It foretells a time when all worldly powers will willingly align with God's divine purpose, not by conquest alone, but by a recognition of His rightful ownership of all authority and power.

Psalm 47 9 Commentary

Psalm 47:9 profoundly articulates the universal kingship of God, providing the theological basis for the nations' eventual submission to Him. It's not a mere description of current events but a prophetic declaration and an expression of fervent faith in God's ultimate dominion. The imagery of "princes of the people" (global leaders) gathering indicates an eschatological vision where all worldly authority finally bows to the divine, acknowledging that "the shields of the earth"—all means of protection and power, all rulers—are entirely God's possession and under His control. This effectively undermines any claim of autonomy by earthly kingdoms or their gods. The connection to "the God of Abraham" reinforces that this universal dominion flows from the Abrahamic covenant's promise of a blessing for "all families of the earth," thereby including Gentile nations in God's redemptive plan and a relationship with Him, perhaps initially through Abraham's descendants (Israel), and ultimately through Christ. The verse culminates in the resounding declaration of God's supreme exaltation, His unmatched glory, and uncontested rule over all creation, assuring believers of His ultimate victory and reigning authority over all earthly powers.