The verse that we will see in this article belongs to a psalm of the sons of Korah, a group of worshipers set apart to lead Israel in praise. This psalm speaks powerfully of the greatness of God, declaring how mighty, fearsome, and glorious He is. At the same time, it calls all peoples to respond with joyful praise, clapping their hands and recognizing the mercy and love that flow from Him. Worship here is not quiet or hidden; it is expressive, communal, and filled with reverence.
The sons of Korah often emphasized God’s kingship and His dwelling among His people. Their psalms remind Israel that worship is not merely a ritual, but a response to who God truly is. In Psalm 47, praise is rooted in theology: God is praised because He reigns. The call to clap and shout is grounded in the recognition of divine authority and goodness.
God is described as a great King, just as this psalm proclaims. He is the Most High, exalted above all creation, above every power and authority that claims allegiance. The so-called “gods” of the nations are nothing more than idols—sculptures shaped by human hands, powerless and lifeless. In contrast, the Lord is living, active, and sovereign, ruling not only Israel, but the entire earth.
This contrast is essential. Throughout Scripture, God’s people are warned not to place their trust in idols or human strength. Idols cannot hear, save, or rule. They are limited and fragile. The God of Israel, however, reigns with absolute authority. His throne is not threatened, and His power does not fade with time.
That is why, in the next verse, the psalmist calls all peoples of the earth to praise the Lord. God’s kingdom is not confined to one nation or one era. His reign extends over all the earth, and His power endures forever. Kings rise and fall, empires expand and collapse, but the Lord remains unchanged, ruling with justice and strength.
For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
Psalm 47:2
The word “terrible” in this verse does not mean cruel or unjust, but awe-inspiring and majestic. It speaks of a holy fear, a deep reverence that recognizes God’s unmatched power. The Lord is not to be taken lightly. His presence inspires awe because He is infinitely greater than all creation.
At the same time, this fear does not drive God’s people away from Him; rather, it draws them closer in worship. To fear the Lord is to recognize His holiness and to trust His rule. This balance of awe and confidence is at the heart of biblical praise.
The people of Israel were called to live in a way that was pleasing before the Lord, not to earn His favor, but because He had already shown Himself faithful. Time and again, God delivered them from their enemies, guided them through the wilderness, and provided for their needs. Because the Lord was always present to save them, their response was to rejoice with gladness and proclaim loudly that the Lord is King of kings and Lord of lords.
Their praise was not forced; it was a natural response to God’s saving acts. When God revealed His power on their behalf, worship followed. Joyful praise acknowledged that victory did not come from human strength, but from the hand of the Almighty.
This psalm also teaches us that worship is not limited to Israel alone. Every people and nation on earth is called to recognize and obey the great and powerful King. God’s reign is universal. His authority extends beyond borders, cultures, and languages. Therefore, praise is not restricted to one group, but is the rightful response of all humanity.
To obey God as King means more than singing songs; it means submitting our lives to His rule. True worship involves aligning our hearts, decisions, and actions with His will. Praise that is genuine flows from obedience and trust in God’s sovereign plan.
The psalm encourages the people to sing praises, clap their hands, and give thanks because God’s mercy endures forever. His power is not harsh toward His children; it is protective and sustaining. The same God who reigns over the nations also cares personally for those who belong to Him.
This combination of power and mercy is what makes God worthy of praise. He is strong enough to rule the universe and gentle enough to care for the individual. His kingship does not oppress; it redeems. His authority does not crush; it restores.
Let us, therefore, praise the Lord with sincerity. May our praises be directed to Him alone, free from distraction or hypocrisy. Let us sing with joy and exalt His name above all else, acknowledging that there is no one like our God.
Come, people of God, acclaim and recognize the glory that is in our Lord. Let us not be silent about His goodness. Let our lives testify that He is King, not only in word, but in truth. When we praise Him, we proclaim to the world that He reigns.
His power surrounds His people, and His care never fails. In times of peace or trial, God remains on His throne. He governs history, sustains creation, and protects His children. Because of this, we can worship with confidence, knowing that the great King over all the earth is also our refuge and strength.
May our hearts be filled with reverence and joy as we acknowledge the greatness of our God. Let every nation, every people, and every generation proclaim His glory, for the Lord Most High is worthy of all praise, now and forever.