Psalms 47:2
For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The word "terrible" here doesn't mean frightening in a negative way, but rather inspires awe and deep reverence, pointing to the LORD's overwhelming majesty that is beyond human comprehension. This awe-inspiring nature makes Him the ultimate King, not just over Israel, but over the entire earth.
This psalm bursts forth in celebration following a great divine victory, likely a military triumph that secured Israel's safety and demonstrated God's power to all nations. The preceding context emphasizes God's protective presence and intervention in times of crisis. This verse, therefore, serves as the foundational declaration of why all people should rejoice and praise: God is the supreme, awe-inspiring ruler of the entire earth.
Who is this 'Most High' God? And why is He 'terrible'?
Verse 2 immediately grounds us in the identity of God. He is the 'Most High,' a title that speaks to His supreme position above all beings and all creation. This isn't just a poetic flourish; it's a declaration of His absolute sovereignty.
Supreme Over All
The Meaning of 'Terrible'
The word translated as 'terrible' here doesn't primarily suggest something frightening or malevolent. Instead, it points to awe-inspiring majesty, a profound reverence that evokes a sense of awe and respect. It means He is worthy of being feared in the sense of being deeply revered and honored because of His immense power and authority. This 'terrible' majesty commands respect and attention.
Why does God reveal His power and kingship?
Psalms 47 isn't just a theological treatise; it's a song of worship and a prophetic vision. Verse 2 declares God's might, but the surrounding verses show why this mighty kingship matters.
Universal Call to Worship
The psalm calls all peoples to clap their hands and shout for joy (v. 1). This isn't just for one nation; it's a global invitation. God's powerful kingship isn't meant to intimidate into silence, but to inspire joyful celebration and submission.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel; it signifies His eternal existence, faithfulness, and self-revelation.
elyon · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A title denoting God's supremacy, transcendence, and absolute authority over all created beings and powers.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A posture of profound reverence, awe, and humble submission before the holiness and majesty of God.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A title emphasizing God's sovereignty, rule, and rightful dominion over all nations and creation.
This psalm likely celebrates a powerful victory, possibly the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians (as described in 2 Kings 19). The overwhelming sense of God's supreme kingship and power over all nations stems directly from such a divine intervention, which would have dramatically demonstrated His authority and sovereignty to both Judah and its surrounding enemies.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. The siege is famously lifted miraculously, with a divine intervention killing much of the Assyrian army.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, begins deporting Jewish leaders and skilled workers to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian Exile. This event highlights foreign domination and loss of national sovereignty.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, ushering in a new imperial power. This event leads to the eventual decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed, symbolizing the return of Jewish worship and national identity after the exile. This rebuild marks a significant moment of restoration.
This verse directly echoes Psalm 47:2, affirming God's supreme authority and majesty as 'God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome.'
1 Chronicles 16:25Similar to Psalm 47:2, this passage calls for awe and reverence towards God, recognizing Him as 'great' and 'most to be feared above all gods,' highlighting His sovereignty.
Nehemiah 9:32This prayer acknowledges God's kingship and power over all creation, stating, 'Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, do not let all this hardship seem small in your eyes.'
Daniel 4:17This verse speaks of God's ultimate authority and dominion, proclaiming that 'the Most High rules the kingdom of mortals and gives it to whom he will,' underscoring His role as King over all.
Revelation 19:16This passage from Revelation shows the ultimate fulfillment of God's reign as King, naming Jesus as 'King of kings and Lord of lords,' a divine title that resonates with the declaration in Psalm 47:2.
poolePsalms 47:2: "For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth."
Most high is terrible; or, is most high (in himself, above all gods) and (which conjunction is off understood) terrible , to all his enemies. A great King over all the earth; the universal Monarch of the whole world, and not of Israel only.
clarkePsalms 47:2: "For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth."
For the Lord most high is terrible - He has insufferable majesty, and is a great King - the mightiest of all emperors, for he is Sovereign over the whole earth.
The word "terrible" here doesn't mean frightening in a negative way, but rather inspires awe and deep reverence, pointing to the LORD's overwhelming majesty that is beyond human comprehension. This awe-inspiring nature makes Him the ultimate King, not just over Israel, but over the entire earth.
This psalm bursts forth in celebration following a great divine victory, likely a military triumph that secured Israel's safety and demonstrated God's power to all nations. The preceding context emphasizes God's protective presence and intervention in times of crisis. This verse, therefore, serves as the foundational declaration of why all people should rejoice and praise: God is the supreme, awe-inspiring ruler of the entire earth.
This psalm bursts forth in celebration following a great divine victory, likely a military triumph that secured Israel's safety and demonstrated God's power to all nations. The preceding context emphasizes God's protective presence and intervention in times of crisis. This verse, therefore, serves as the foundational declaration of all people should rejoice and praise: God is the supreme, awe-inspiring ruler of the entire earth.
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God's Work for His People and Beyond
The reason for this universal praise is God's demonstrated power, specifically His acts for 'Jacob' (v. 4). However, this victory and care for His chosen people are meant to draw all nations to recognize His universal sovereignty. His actions for Israel reveal His power and justice to the entire world, drawing them to worship Him as the great King over all.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah's Reforms
Nehemiah leads a group of Judeans to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and enact religious and social reforms. This period signifies a renewed focus on covenant faithfulness and community life.
"For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth." — The word "terrible" here doesn't mean frightening in a negative way, but rather inspires awe and deep reverence, pointing to the LORD's overwhelming majesty that is beyond human comprehension. This a…
