Psalms 47–48

Psalm xlvii. I have but few words to say on this psalm. It is the triumph of Cod’s people when deliverance is come in, prophetically announced. That which will be useful to remark is, how entirely the government of the world is connected with Israel. Cod Most High is a great King over all the earth. Then the peoples and nations are subdued under and Cod chooses the inheritance for the remnant of His people — His beloved Jacob. But this issues in the praises of Cod Himself, awakens praise in His people. And whatever the blessings and glory of God’s people, their great delight is in the glory of Cod Himself. First, the power of Cod is celebrated, and the peoples, there in relationship with Israel, are culled upon to triumph in it, for it is their deliverance and blessing, and that, at least, Israel knows, and is the proclaimer of it to them. There Israel gets its place. But this makes Cod pre-eminent in Israel’s thought. Thus it ever is when the soul truly knows blessing. It turns to the blesser. But this draws out, not merely thanksgiving, but the celebration of all that God is as known in blessing to those He blesses. Bat His own proper glory is their joy. I say, “known in blessing;” but not simply because of blessing, but in His own glory as so known. Thus ver. 5 — 8 celebrate what God is, as thus displayed and known. So in Rom. v. 11, it is not only the statement of salvation, but “we joy in God, by whom we have received the reconciliation.” Further, praises with understanding are called for. The relationships of God are stated in verse 8. This, too, is a point neglected by the saints — the living and praising in and according to the relationships in which God stands with us. We have to say, “The Father” and “Christ the Lord.” Here, in the kingdom, it is He sits upon the throne of His holiness, and He reigns over the heathen — only, now, that which is power on the earth. The princes of the peoples are gathered in recognition of, and association with, one peculiar people — the people of original promise — the people of the God of Abraham. The shields of the earth belong to God: He is greatly exalted; for this must be the last and possessing thought of the saint. I will only add, that this takes up the reign of God in its great general principle and connected with divine exaltation, though in connexion with Israel who celebrates it. The following psalm connects it more with local details, and the judgment by which His throne is established in Zion. Psalm xlix. is a full commentary upon all this, showing man’s place in it.