“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!” (Psalm 47:6–7 ESV).
The sons of Korah called God’s people to praise Him because He reigned as King, not merely over Israel, but over “all the earth.” Five times in these two verses they commanded the people to “sing praises.” Their worship was to be wholehearted, intelligent, and continual because their God was the universal King.
The final phrase, translated “sing praises with a psalm” in the ESV, comes from the Hebrew word maskil, which can carry the idea of an instructive or skillful song. This explains why the KJV renders it, “sing ye praises with understanding.” Their praise was not to be mindless emotion, but worship shaped by the truth of who God is.
Psalm 47 also pointed beyond Israel to the coming kingdom of Christ. Jesus announced that God’s saving reign had entered history through Him. He could say, “the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:21), while also teaching His disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10). The kingdom had already arrived in the King, but it had not yet reached its final consummation.
Christ came forgiving sinners, defeating Satan’s works, healing the broken, and bringing people under God’s saving rule. Yet sin, death, and rebellion remain. So while God already reigns, we still await the day when His reign will be fully and visibly acknowledged throughout the earth. Psalm 47 declared, “God is the King of all the earth,” and Jesus revealed that kingdom by coming as its King.
We can praise God even when the world around us appears chaotic because His throne is not threatened. Jesus is already King. His kingdom is advancing through the gospel, and one day His reign will be openly and universally acknowledged.
Therefore, we do not praise merely when circumstances are favorable. We praise because Christ reigns. And as we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” we look forward to the day when faith becomes sight, every enemy is defeated, and every knee bows before King Jesus.
Until then, let us sing praises to the King.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we praise You because You reign over all the earth. Help us to live faithfully under the gracious rule of Your Son and proclaim His kingdom to others. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Keep our hearts singing until our King returns. In Jesus’ name, amen.