Psalm 47 God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare... FESTIVITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

EXEGETICAL, THEOLOGICAL, AND PASTORAL ANALYSIS
Exegesis
Psalm 47 is a royal enthronement psalm, celebrating God's universal kingship. The psalm likely originated from Israel’s liturgical celebration of God's reign over the nations, possibly connected to the Ark of the Covenant being brought into the sanctuary (2 Samuel 6). The repeated calls to praise reflect a festive procession with instruments, voices, and shouts of victory.

The refrain echoes trumpet imagery, symbolic of God's majesty and divine manifestation, especially associated with enthronement or divine appearance (cf. Exodus 19:16).

Theological Themes
Christ the King: This psalm foreshadows the Ascension, where Christ, the victorious King, returns to the Father’s throne, having conquered sin and death.

Universal Lordship: God is not just the God of Israel but the King over all the earth—a message confirmed by Christ's final command to preach the Gospel to all nations.

Liturgy and Worship: The psalm calls the faithful to participate in the cosmic liturgy—praising God with joyful song and solemn reverence.

Pastoral Implication
Psalm 47 offers believers a model of joyful hope and proclamation. In a world of instability, this psalm reminds us that Christ reigns eternally, and we are called to join our voices in that heavenly praise. The music should evoke this exuberant but reverent celebration of Christ’s Ascension.

LETTER to my friends and subscribers.
As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, I’m delighted to share with you a new musical setting of Psalm 47: “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.”

This powerful psalm resounds with majesty, inviting all peoples to rejoice in the kingship of our Lord. The Ascension is not a farewell—it is a coronation. Jesus, victorious over sin and death, returns to the Father not as a mere messenger, but as the eternal King, enthroned at the right hand of God.

The refrain’s trumpet imagery captures the awe of heaven welcoming its risen King. But even more, this moment sends us forth. As the first reading from Acts (1:1–11) tells us, the apostles are not to remain staring at the sky—they are to go out and announce this good news.

Psalm 47 reminds us that praise is not just emotion—it is mission. We are part of a universal Church proclaiming Christ’s reign across every land and culture. When we sing this psalm, we echo the joy of heaven and the calling of the Church.

May this song lead us to lift our hearts in worship and also move our feet in mission, as joyful heralds of the risen and ascended Lord.

With joy in the risen King,
Vicente Cortez

Видео Psalm 47 God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare... FESTIVITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD канала El salmo litúrgico hecho canción y explicado