Verse 1
Psa 47:1-9. Praise is given to God for victory, perhaps that recorded (2Ch 20:20-30); and His dominions over all people, Jews and Gentiles, is asserted.
1. clap ... hands ... people--literally, "peoples," or "nations" (compare De 32:43; Psa 18:49; 98:9).
Verses 2–3
2-3. His universal sovereignty now exists, and will be made known.
Verse 4
4. He shall ... inheritance--the heathen to be possessed by His Church (Psa 2:8), as Canaan by the Jews.
excellency of Jacob--literally, "pride," or, that in which he glories (not necessarily, though often, in a bad sense), the privileges of the chosen people--
whom he loved--His love being the sole cause of granting them.
Verses 5–7
5-7. God, victorious over His enemies, reascends to heaven, amid the triumphant praises of His people, who celebrate His sovereign dominion. This sovereignty is what the Psalm teaches; hence he adds,
sing ... praises with understanding--literally, "sing and play an instructive (Psalm)." The whole typifies Christ's ascension (compare Psa 68:18).
Verses 8–9
8-9. The instruction continued.
throne of ... holiness--or, "holy throne" (see on Psa 2:6; Psa 23:4).