Whose Are These?
The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted. Psalm 47:9 NASB
Princes/ People – Who have assembled themselves? And why have they done so? Those are the two questions David wants us to ask. The first answer takes a little investigation. In Hebrew, the phrase is n’divei amin ne-esafoo. The word, nadiyv (here in the plural) is an adjective meaning willing, generous or noble. When it is used like a noun (as it is here), it implies those of royal birth. Thus, we have the translation “princes.” But remember that the primary meaning is not about a class of royalty. It is about those people who demonstrate attitudes of willingness, whose hearts are directed toward consent, in this case to the word of the sovereign God. Who have assembled themselves? The ones willing to follow the Lord. I’m not sure royal birth is a requirement, but I am quite sure that David’s pun is intended. God seeks those who are willing, and those who are willing are certainly His princes. It is our hope that the princes of this world are also among those who assemble.
The previous verse informs us that God rules over the nations (the goyim), but in this verse things change. The first instance of “people” is the Hebrew plural amim, the Hebrew word for nearly everyone. Why have these willing ones assembled? Because they are now the am (singular) of Abraham. God spoke to Abraham. God gave His promise. All the nations (goyim) of the earth would be blessed in him and his descendents would be greater than the stars in the sky. David clearly recalls that blessing. The amim are being gathered, but in that gathering they become the one people (the am) of the God of Abraham. They are the extended family of Abraham, those who are willing to follow the true King. They don’t assemble as Pentecostals or Presbyterians or Catholics or even as Christians. They assemble as the am of the God of Abraham. Abraham’s God lays claim to all amim, but when they gather in His name, they are no longer separated by clans or races or nations. They are am, one people. That is their only distinction. They serve the same God that Abraham served.
Perhaps this verse, with its odd use of amim, is a poignant reminder that we, the ones who have assembled, are intimately connected to the God of Abraham. If we aren’t part of Abraham’s family, if we aren’t serving Abraham’s God, then I’m afraid we might be in the wrong assembly. It’s worth noting that those who are assembled are the amim, the ones from everywhere. God doesn’t show partiality when it comes to who may assemble. He only expects that they serve Him as Abraham served Him and become am.
And how does David end this insight into true fellowship? With a note of power. All the shields of the earth belong to God. In the end, only His assembly matters.
Topical Index: princes, people, assembly, willing, Psalm 47:9
Skip
Thanks for this answer. Our group were just asking the question. YHWH is so faithful!
When we are willing, G-d is able. We are the willing ones and He is the ONE who is able. This is the “match made in heaven.” Mr. Able and Mrs. Willing. This is the (blood-covenant) union of the human and the Divine. Tell them “I AM” has sent you. “I AM that I AM.” This is the G-d we serve, the G-d, the only G-d, the true G-d, the “I AM,” the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, our Elohim, our Protector, Provider, G-d has and G-d did and G-d does provide Himself, the Lamb.
Whatever our particular need may be- He is. This is my glad, full and free confession. He says, “I AM”- I say (with my mouth and know in my heart)- “He is.” He is my pardon, He is my peace, He is my Provider, He is my Protector. I may now say, know, and show, along with all who are in blood-covenant union with Him- “my G-d” for He is our Personal G-d, and our public G-d- “He is.”
Who will be with me today? He will. The ONE who is able to save them to the uttermost, all those that come unto G-d by Him, -the Lamb who was slain. I gladly, freely, fully surrender to the LORDship of the ONE who became flesh, dwelt among men, lived a perfect life, and then willingly, freely surrendered His life as an propitiating, sacrificial atonement, for not only my sins, but the sins of the world.
The word became flesh, and dwelt among us..- then we crucified Him. “His blood be upon us and upon our children” were the prophetic words of the jeering crowd on that day. Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice cry out among the scoffers. I also pray this answered prayer- G-d, be merciful to me- “the” sinner, for it was “my sin” that held Him there. Christ died for me.-
But dear friends- this is not the full story. This story has no end, for He is not dead. (May I?)- Hallelujah!- This Savior, my Savior, my Redeemer, my G-d is very much alive and intricately, intimately involved in my (daily) deliverance from (the) evil. The very hairs of my head and your head also, are numbered. He knows when a sparrow falls and He knows my name. He knows my very thoughts, He sees each tear that falls and He hears me when I call.
This is our G-d. This is our Elohim. This is the G-d who proclaims His name to all who have ears to hear and hearts to obey. “Shema,” O Israel, the LORD-our Elohim is ONE…” Whatever we need,- He is. Amein.
“Psalm 47:3 He brings the peoples under our dominion”
Hmmm
Makes me think of the movie Spartan (2004) directed by David Mamet
Mamet employs the “kingdom”metaphor on several levels in the movie with Yahweh as the “implied” good King
The President is portrayed as the corrupt King, who is willing to sacrifice his daughter to maintain his power
In Mamet’s dominion, the true king on earth, good shield, and hero of the movie is the “Spartan”
A secret service agent (Val Kilmer) who is willing to sacrifice himself to save the president’s daughter
And the president’s daughter is no “fair maiden”
@Michael SOUNDS LIKE SHREK TO ME… 🙂
Hi Jan,
Well with all due respect to Leonard Cohen ….
It was in SHREK that I first heard my favorite song of his sung by Rufus Wainwright
As you know it is about the Messiah ben David and I first heard it with my daughter
A little girl at the time, she is much older now and trying to bear with me as I write
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmbQEQltOwM
“Hallelujah” by Rufus Wainwright (Irish performance)
Michael, I have a beloved friend in my life that I call my King David & that is one of his very favorite songs too – I was not sure it was about King David & had never heard it till he mentioned/commented on it one time a few months ago. Although, I have seen most all of the Shrek series but didn’t remember the song in one of them. Thanks for reminding me…
jan
Hi Jan,
I worked with a friend a few years ago and for fun we would bring up a topic and argue.
Of course neither one of us would ever admit we were wrong.
One day he came into my cube and said rather agressively:
“You know the best song ever is Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright.”
I thought for a few minutes and then had to admit he was probably right 🙂
Skip, thanks for this post today. It is appreciated.