OXFORD: PRINTED BY D. A. TALBOYS, R. GRIFFIN AND CO. GLASGOW; TEGG AND CO. DUBLIN ; 10131. e. 11. JOHN CALVIN'S COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS. PSALM XLVII. Some are of opinion that this Psalm was made when the temple was dedicated, and the ark of the covenant placed in the sanctuary. But because it is an unsupported conjecture, it is better, if I am not deceived, to let that circumstance pass, and to consider what it contains, and to what use it is to be chiefly applied. There is no doubt it was appointed for solemn assemblies, which is easy to be gathered from the whole tenor of it. Nay, it may be that David dictated it to the Levites before the temple was built, when the ark rested as yet in the tabernacle. But whosoever was the author of it, he exhorts not only the Israelites, but also all nations, to worship the one true God. Although it chiefly extols the favour that God vouchsafed to the offspring of Abraham for the time present, like as salvation also was to spring forth to all the world out of that fountain, yet it treats of the future kingdom of Christ. For it declares that the glory which shone in the shadowy sanctuary should be manifested far and wide, when God himself should spread out the beams of his grace afar off, so that kings and nations should unite in fellowship with the children of Abraham. [A Song to the chief of the sons of Korah.] 2 All people clap your hands; sing cheerfully to GOD with the voice of leaping. 3 For the LORD is high, terrible, and a great King above all the earth. 4 He hath brought nations in obedience under us, and put the Gentiles under our feet. 5 He hath chosen our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah. 2 All people clap your hands, &c.] As he bids all people to clap their hands at God in token of gladness and joy, or VOL. II. B |