Psalm 47 (46):1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The heading of this psalm can be summarized as follows: for the sons of Korah, a psalm authored by David. The sons of Korah are associated with several other psalms, revealing a profound mystery and unveiling a significant Sacrament. In this, we shall voluntarily introspect, acknowledging ourselves in the identity of those who hear and read, and reflecting upon our true nature as if gazing in a mirror. Who are the sons of Korah? They likely represent the sons of the Bridegroom, for the Bridegroom was crucified at Calvary. The Gospel reminds us (Matthew 27:33) of the place where our Lord was crucified—Calvary. Moreover, those who mock the Cross are likened to beasts being devoured. This idea is echoed in the Scriptures.

The Psalm is chanted in the name of the sacred Apostles, who encourage the nations, in the triumph achieved over the despised spirits, to rise up and walk in righteous deeds.

This psalm, intended for the descendants of Korah, prophesies the redemption of all peoples and proclaims triumph over adversaries.

This psalm is designated as 'to the end' due to its prophecies concerning the culmination of all things, as we have frequently noted. It also foretells the unstoppable strength of the Gospel's proclamation. The phrase - Of the children of Korea - has been elucidated in the preceding psalm, which shares the same title. There are no concealed meanings within this psalm; rather, all the ideas it presents are transparent and easily understood. David speaks in this psalm on behalf of the Apostles.

To the conclusion, O children of Kore. This psalm exalts the spiritual reign of Jesus Christ, which He expanded to all nations following His ascension to heaven, leading them to faith. It was written in light of the bringing of the tabernacle into the temple, as evidenced by the overall context of the verses.

Based on verse 6 (see Num. 10:35-36; 2 Sam. 6:15, etc.), many scholars have interpreted this psalm as a hymn sung during the procession of the ark of the covenant, whether carried by David to Zion, by Solomon to the temple, or following its return after triumphing over foreign nations. We believe this song originates from the victorious army after Jehoshaphat's miraculous conquest over the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Seir in what is referred to as the valley of blessing, just prior to their return to Jerusalem (the sons of Kore were part of the army; 2 Chronicles 20:10). These foreign powers had sought to expel the Israelites from the land that the Lord had allotted to them as their inheritance (v. 5; see 2 Chronicles 20:11).

The prophet invites everyone to Him, celebrating the solemn procession of the Lord's ark to the hill of Zion, which symbolizes the all-divine ascension of Christ the Lord, who took on pure humanity, to the mount of heavenly Zion, and the arrival of the Holy Spirit into His Divine Church. The Psalm foretells the unyielding strength of the Gospel proclamation; it is sung in honor of the Apostles, urging the nations to pursue triumph after overcoming their spiritual adversaries. Those who have been illuminated by the light of Christ's faith are called to joyfully offer hymns of praise to the Source of victory.

The initial antiphon is composed of verses 2, 3, 4, and 6 from Psalm 46. In this passage, the Psalmist, celebrating the triumph bestowed upon Israel by the Almighty, invites all nations to exalt Him as the Lord not only of His chosen people but of all peoples. These lines are chanted during the Ascension of Christ because the depiction of God's all-powerful glory in the psalm parallel the majesty of Christ the Savior revealed in His ascension into Heaven. This is particularly referenced in the sixth verse of the psalm.