Psa 47:8-9 | NETfull | STEP | God reigns over the nations! God sits on his holy throne!

Psalms 47:8-9

8 God reigns ^{▼▼ When a new king was enthroned, his followers would acclaim him king using this enthronement formula (Qal perfect 3ms מָלַךְ, malakh, “to reign,” followed by the name of the king). See 2 Sam 15:10; 1 Kgs 1:11, 13, 18; 2 Kgs 9:13, as well as Isa 52:7. In this context the perfect verbal form is generalizing, but the declaration logically follows the historical reference in v. 5 to the Lord’s having ascended his throne.} over the nations!
God sits on his holy throne!
The nobles of the nations assemble,
along with the people of the God of Abraham, ^{▼▼ The words “along with” do not appear in the MT. However, the LXX has “with,” suggesting that the original text may have read עִם עַם (’im ’am, “along with the people”). In this case the MT is haplographic (the consonantal sequence ayin-mem [עם] being written once instead of twice). Another option is that the LXX is simply and correctly interpreting “people” as an adverbial accusative and supplying the appropriate preposition.}
for God has authority over the rulers ^{▼▼ Heb “for to God [belong] the shields of the earth.” Perhaps the rulers are called “shields” because they are responsible for protecting their people. See Ps 84:9, where the Davidic king is called “our shield,” and perhaps also Hos 4:18.} of the earth.
He is highly exalted! ^{▼▼ The verb עָלָה (’alah, “ascend”) appears once more (see v. 5), though now in the Niphal stem.}

Psalm 48

^{▼▼ Psalm 48. This so-called “Song of Zion” celebrates the greatness and glory of the Lord’s dwelling place, Jerusalem. His presence in the city elevates it above all others and assures its security.}

Psalms 47:8-9

Psalm 48

A song, a psalm by the Korahites.