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SING PRAISES WITH UNDERSTANDING

Text: Psalm 47
9 September 2012

(I) THE PLACE OF KNOWLEDGE IN SINGING

1. Singing should never be done in the absence of knowledge

“Sing praises with understanding.” Psalm 47:7

a) We should never practise empty singing

b) Singing is part of our worship of God

c) We should sing with understanding

d) Knowledge is vital in giving us understanding

e) The sons of Korah as priests reflected knowledge in their psalm

2. The knowledge of God as King

a) He is the Most High King

“For the Lord Most High is awesome;” Psalm 47:2

b) He is sovereign King over all

“He is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2

“For God is the King of all the earth;” Psalm 47:7

c) He is an all conquering King who will subdue all peoples

“He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet.” Psalm 47:3

d) He is the loving King who has given an inheritance for Israel

“He will choose our inheritance for us, the excellence of Jacob whom He loves.” Psalm 47:4

e) He is the enthroned King

“God has gone up with a shout, The Lord with the sound of a trumpet.” Psalm 47:5

f) He is the reigning King on His throne

“God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 47:8

g) A special Messianic reference

(II) PERSONAL UNDERSTANDING AFFECTS OUR SINGING

1. Personal acknowledgement of God as King

“Sing praises to our King, sing praises!” Psalm 47:6

a) “Our King”… The sons of Korah addressed God as their King

b) Special reverence given to God as King

2. Princes who worship God

“The princes of the people have gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham.” Psalm 47:9

a) Literal… Princes of the people

b) New Testament…. Co-heirs ( Revelation 1:6 )

c) Yet as servants, we are to worship the King

3. Submission of all to the Lord

“For the shields of the earth belong to God;” Psalm 47:9

a) The shield represents the might of a king

b) All the shields of the kings of the earth would be laid before the King

c) Total submission of all to the Lord

(III) THE PRACTICE OF SINGING WITH UNDERSTANDING

1. Singing with a great sense of joy

“Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!” Psalm 47:1

2. Singing with a victorious spirit

“Shout to God with the voice of triumph!” Psalm 47:1

3. Singing to exalt

“He is greatly exalted.” Psalm 47:9

4. Exuberance in singing praises

“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!” Psalm 47:6