Psalms 47:5

God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עָלָ֣ה

H5927

is gone up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֱ֭לֹהִים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בִּתְרוּעָ֑ה

H8643

with a shout

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

יְ֝הוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּק֣וֹל

H6963

with the sound

a voice or sound

שׁוֹפָֽר׃

H7782

of a trumpet

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?