How awesome is the LORD Most HighThe term "awesome" reflects a sense of reverence and fear, acknowledging God's majesty and power. The title "LORD Most High" emphasizes God's supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. This phrase echoes the biblical theme of God's transcendence, as seen in passages like
Deuteronomy 10:17, where God is described as "God of gods and Lord of lords." The use of "Most High" is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where many cultures had their own deities, yet the psalmist declares the LORD as the supreme God above all.
the great King over all the earth!
This phrase highlights God's universal reign, not limited to Israel but extending over the entire earth. It reflects the biblical theme of God's kingdom, as seen inPsalm 103:19, where His kingdom rules over all. The concept of God as "King" is central to the understanding of His authority and governance. In the historical context, earthly kings were seen as powerful rulers, but this verse elevates God as the ultimate King. This also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as King of Kings, as seen inRevelation 19:16, affirming His dominion and authority over all nations and peoples.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD Most HighThis title emphasizes God's supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. In Hebrew, "Elyon" is used, highlighting God's exalted status.
2.
The EarthRepresents the entirety of creation, over which God reigns as King. It signifies the scope of God's dominion and authority.
3.
The PsalmistTraditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who were Levites responsible for temple worship. They often wrote psalms that focus on God's majesty and kingship.
Teaching Points
God's SovereigntyRecognize and submit to God's ultimate authority in every aspect of life. His rule is not limited by human boundaries or limitations.
Worship and ReverenceApproach God with awe and reverence, acknowledging His greatness and majesty in our worship practices.
Global PerspectiveUnderstand that God's kingship extends over all nations and peoples, encouraging us to pray for and engage in global missions.
Trust in God's RuleIn times of uncertainty, find peace in the knowledge that God is the great King over all the earth, orchestrating His divine plan.
Reflecting God's MajestyAs believers, we are called to reflect God's majesty in our lives, living in a way that honors His kingship.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 47:2?
2.How does Psalm 47:2 inspire reverence for God in daily life?
3.What does "awesome is the LORD Most High" reveal about God's character?
4.How can recognizing God as "great King" influence our decision-making?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize God's sovereignty and kingship like Psalm 47:2?
6.How can acknowledging God's greatness enhance our worship practices?
7.How does Psalm 47:2 affirm God's sovereignty over all nations?
8.What historical context supports the claim in Psalm 47:2?
9.How does Psalm 47:2 challenge modern views on global leadership?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 47?
11.How does Psalm 47:2’s claim of God’s universal rule align with scientific understandings of a vast universe beyond ancient Israel’s worldview?
12.Did God command killings in the Old Testament?
13.How can “all the earth” (Psalm 100:1) be expected to shout joyfully if many do not believe in or acknowledge this God?
14.Isaiah 12:6: Does calling on the name of the Lord in Zion conflict with other biblical passages that suggest God’s presence is not confined to a single geographic location?What Does Psalm 47:2 Mean
How awesome• The psalmist begins with a burst of astonishment. “How awesome” is not casual admiration; it is wide–eyed, heart–racing reverence.
• Scripture repeatedly links God’s “awesome” nature with His miraculous acts—parting seas, toppling walls, shaking prisons.Exodus 15:11 declares, “Who is like You—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”
• This sense of wonder is meant to move us:Psalm 66:3 urges, “Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your deeds!’” Awe becomes worship when we voice it.
• The verse calls every reader to pause and let holy fear replace boredom or routine. InPsalm 99:1, “The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble!” Trembling doesn’t negate joy; it deepens it.
is the LORD Most High• “LORD” (YHWH) is God’s covenant name—reminding us He keeps every promise.
• “Most High” lifts Him above every power, ruler, angel, idol, or human authority.Psalm 97:9 proclaims, “For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.”
• Because He is “Most High,” no circumstance outranks Him. When fears rise,Psalm 83:18 anchors us: “You alone… are Most High over all the earth.”
• Our daily prayers, plans, and problems are submitted to the One who already reigns at the pinnacle of reality.
the great King• Kingship speaks of absolute authority. The psalm does not present God as a mere tribal deity but “the great King.”
•Psalm 95:3 affirms, “The LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.” His greatness is qualitative (infinitely superior) and quantitative (reigning everywhere).
•Malachi 1:14 echoes, “I am a great King… and My name is to be feared among the nations.”
• The New Testament confirms the same throne:1 Timothy 6:15 calls Jesus “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings.”Revelation 19:16 inscribes the title on His robe.
• Practically, acknowledging Him as King means:
– I obey His Word without editing it.
– I trust His decrees even when culture objects.
– I worship Him exclusively, resisting rival “kings” of money, approval, or self.
over all the earth• The scope of His reign is universal, not limited to Israel, church buildings, or private spirituality. “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1).
• Jesus confirmed this after the resurrection: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18).
•Acts 17:24 reminds us, “The God who made the world… is Lord of heaven and earth.” Every continent, culture, and courtroom ultimately answers to Him.
•Revelation 11:15 looks ahead: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” History is moving toward public, uncontested acknowledgment of His rule.
summaryPsalm 47:2 piles phrase upon phrase to stretch our vision: God is breathtakingly awesome, exalted as the covenant‐keeping LORD, unrivaled as the great King, and sovereign over every square inch of the planet. The verse invites us to trade small thoughts of God for true, Scripture‐sized awe, to submit joyfully to His kingship, and to live every moment in light of His worldwide reign.
(2)
Most high.--Or, possibly, a predicate,
is exalted.Terrible.--Literally,feared.(Comp.2Chronicles 20:29).
Verse 2. -
For the Lord Most High is terrible (comp.
Deuteronomy 7:21; and see also
Psalm 65:5;
Psalm 68:35;
Psalm 76:7-9). God is "terrible" -
i.e. awful to contemplate-on account of his vast power and his absolute holiness.
Heis a great King over all the earth. Not only over Israel, or over the nations which David has conquered, but ever every nation on the face of the earth (comp.
Psalm 95:3, 4;
Psalm 96:10;
Psalm 97:1, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Howכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionawesome [is]נוֹרָ֑א(nō·w·rā)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frightenthe LORDיְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelthe Most High,עֶלְי֣וֹן(‘el·yō·wn)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5945:An elevation, lofty, as title, the Supremethe greatגָּ֝דוֹל(gā·ḏō·wl)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentKingמֶ֥לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingoverעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe earth!הָאָֽרֶץ׃(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 47:2 For Yahweh Most High is awesome (Psalm Ps Psa.)