1 Clap your hands, all peoples!
Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
2 For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared,
a great king over all the earth.
3 He subdued peoples under us,
and nations under our feet.
4 He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah
5 God has gone up with a shout,
the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7 For God is the King of all the earth;
sing praises with a psalm!
8 God reigns over the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
9 The princes of the peoples gather
as the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
he is highly exalted!
Comment: This is a joy filled Psalm! It is addressed to both ‘all peoples’. and to ‘the pride of Jacob’, obviously referring to Israel. I have underlined the phrases which make God as the ruler of the whole earth. The last of these underlined phrases suggests that God is in control of all the armies of the whole world! Obviously to all of us living in the modern era not every (even query any!) nation on earth gives Jehovah God His rightful place. So that does make the Psalm a false statement? Emphatically NO! The Psalm was probably written when David was at his prime and had conquered as the book of 1 Chronicles suggests conquered and ruled all the surrounding nations. It was written as Praise to God for what He had done for ‘the sons of Jacob’. But remember that the Bible states very clearly that God, although evil is prevalent today as it always has been since the fall, is in control. God knows what is happening and is working things out to His ultimate planned end of all things. So, I am suggesting that this is a Messianic Psalm – not talking about Jesus first coming, but what is to be at His second coming – His return as Judge and Ruler!
Psalm 103: 19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Colossians 1: 19-20 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Prayer: Thank You, God, that You are in control!
As I read it! 