Wednesday, July 17 – Psalms 47, 68

1. What time does Psalm 47 anticipate? (Psalms 47:1, 2, 8)

2. What messianic prophecy is contained in Psalm 68? (Psalms 68:18)

Commentary and Reflection:

In the introduction to Psalm 47, the Adventist Bible Commentary says:

“Psalm 47 is a festal anthem of purest praise to Jehovah, who is exalted as God not only of Israel but of all nations on the earth. It may be considered a development of the theme of Ps. 46:10. 46, 47, 48 are closely related. As an anthem for public worship Ps. 47 was probably sung antiphonally by two chorases, one singing vs. 1, 2, and 5, 6, alternating with the other singing vs. 3, 4, and 7, 8; both uniting in singing v. 9. This triumphant psalm is read in the modem synagogue service on the New Year, before the sounding of the shophar (ram’s horn); on that day the universal rulership of Jehovah is emphasized in the ritual.” SDABC, Introduction to psalm 47

The psalm theme is the final deliverance from sin that Israel expected and would have realized if they had not broken the covenant. It anticipates the day spiritual Israel awaits, when the Lord will reign supreme over the entire earth, and the princes of all peoples will gather as the people of the God of Abraham.

Regarding “the sons of Korah” mentioned in the heading, the Adventist Bible Commentary states:

“Korah’s children escaped the punishment inflicted because of their father’s rebellion against the authority of Moses (see Num. 16:1-35), and their descendants became leaders in the Temple worship (see 1 Chron. 6:22; 9:19).” SDABC, Introduction to the Commentary of the book of Psalms, Authorship

Regarding Psalm 68, the same commentary in the introduction states:

“Psalm 68 celebrates the Lord’s victorious leadership of Israel from the time of the Exodus to the days of the psalmist. It depicts in striking details Israel’s journey through the desert, the conquest of Canaan, the flight of hostile kings, and the final establishment of Jerusalem as the religious center of the nation.” SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 68

The psalm also calls to praise The Lord for His intervention in Israel’s final deliverance. Verses 32 and 33 contain a prophetic reference to the second coming of Jesus when the anticipated final victory will be realized: “Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. “

David joyfully anticipates the final deliverance when he says, “But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly” (Psalms 68:3). We long for that day of complete joy. Rejoice today in anticipation of it.

“JAH” is an abbreviated form of God’s name, “Yahweh.” “It is occasionally used in poetic language on account of the rhythm, and also as an ending for personal and even topographical names,” SDABC, Exodus 15:2

Paul quotes verse 18 as a messianic prophecy referring to Jesus: “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: ‘When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.'” (Ephesians 4:7, 8)

May the peace of God be with you on this day.