Commentary on Psalms 47-50
Chuck Smith expounds on Psalms 47-50, revealing the prophetic hope of the coming Kingdom Age where Christ reigns as King over all the earth.
In this insightful sermon, Chuck Smith provides an expository commentary on Psalms 47-50, highlighting their prophetic vision of the coming Kingdom Age. He explores the significance of these psalms in Jewish tradition and their fulfillment in Christ's reign over the earth. Through vivid reflections on Mount Zion and the call to worship, Smith encourages believers to embrace the hope and joy found in God's sovereign rule.
Text
Psalm 47 is a psalm for the New Year. This psalm is read seven times before the blowing of the trumpet to announce the holy day, the beginning of the Jewish New Year.
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the LORD most high is awesome; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of the trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises unto our God, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: and he is greatly exalted (Psa 47:1-9).
This, again, is looking into the glorious New Age. The Jews looked at it as their New Year. But it is a psalm really by which we will usher in the New Age. The age in which Jesus establishes His kingdom and reigns over the earth. It is going to be a whole New Age. And so, it is significant that they would use it for a new year, because always in a new year there is a hope of things better, a new day dawning, and so forth. A new year dawning, new opportunities. But this is a New Age, the Kingdom Age that is dawning. And this is the psalm that will usher in the glorious Kingdom Age, as we clap our hands and shout unto God with a voice of triumph, because He has now established His kingdom over all of the earth and we are there with Him. He is the King over the earth, sing praises.
Psalm 48
Psalm 48:
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountains of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King (Psa 48:1-2).
This is still looking forward into the Kingdom Age, when Jesus the great King will dwell in Jerusalem. His throne will be upon Mount Zion. So it is always so exciting to me when I go over to Jerusalem, one of my favorite places in all of Israel is Mount Zion. I love to just stand on Mount Zion and just say, "Wow, this is the place. I wonder where on this Mount He is going to put His throne." The glorious King is coming; He is coming soon. He\
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Psalm 47 as a psalm for the New Year and its significance
- The New Age ushered in by Christ's kingdom
- The call to worship and praise God as King over all the earth
-
II
- Psalm 48's focus on Mount Zion and the city of God
- The anticipation of Jesus' reign from Jerusalem
- The personal reflection on the significance of Mount Zion
-
III
- The prophetic hope embedded in these psalms
- The establishment of God's kingdom on earth
- The joy and triumph in God's sovereign rule
Key Quotes
“This psalm will usher in the glorious Kingdom Age, as we clap our hands and shout unto God with a voice of triumph.” — Chuck Smith
“The Jews looked at it as their New Year, but it is really a psalm by which we will usher in the New Age.” — Chuck Smith
“The glorious King is coming; He is coming soon.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Live with hope and anticipation of Christ's coming Kingdom.
- Engage in heartfelt worship recognizing God's sovereignty.
- Reflect on the significance of biblical prophecy in everyday faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Psalm 47 associated with the New Year?
Psalm 47 was traditionally read seven times before the blowing of the trumpet to announce the Jewish New Year, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.
What does the New Age refer to in this sermon?
The New Age refers to the coming Kingdom Age when Jesus Christ will establish His reign over all the earth.
Why is Mount Zion significant in Psalm 48?
Mount Zion is significant as the future throne of Christ and the city of God, representing God's holy presence and reign.
How does worship feature in these psalms?
Both psalms emphasize joyful worship and praise to God as the sovereign King over all nations.
What is the practical takeaway from these psalms?
Believers are encouraged to live with hope and confidence in God's ultimate reign and to worship Him with understanding and joy.