Many of us watched coverage of the coronation of Charles III, King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth nations on May 6th. The streets of London were filled with cheering crowds to welcome the new king. From newsreel footage I’ve seen, the same occurred 70 years prior when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. The people of the country want to show their love and support to their new monarch. Back in the past, in the days when kings would go forth to war with their armies, there would be similar scenes of cheer and support when he would return in triumph. The king would often lead his conquered enemies in subjection. Our psalm today gives a description of the Lord God as our King, with His people singing His praise and cheer. Let’s see what we can learn.
This psalm was one of several which were written by the Sons of Korah, a branch of the Levites, descended from Moses’ cousin, Korah. Korah died with Dathan, Abiram, and their families when they revolted against the leadership of Moses (Numbers 16:1-40). The Sons of Korah, along with the people of Israel, were familiar with scenes of joy and cheer when a king would return victorious from battles. This occurred so often during the reign of King David, and later kings, as well. And the day of the king’s coronation, whether it was David, Solomon, or a later king, was always a time of celebration.
The Sons of Korah took their memories and experiences of witnessing cheers for their physical, human kings, and transferred it to singing praises to the Lord God, who is the great King over all the earth (vs. 2, 7). The psalmist proclaims that God is not just their personal king, but that He also reigns over all the nations, the universe, even.
This past Thursday, May 18th, many Christian denominations celebrated the feast day of the Ascension, which occurs 40 days after Easter. That day commemorates the day that the Lord Jesus returned to heaven. There He is seated at the right hand of God, upon His heavenly throne, crowned King of the whole creation. We remember the grandeur and ceremony of the coronation of King Charles. That is nothing compared to the coronation of Jesus upon His heavenly throne! Our psalm speaks of God going up with a shout and the sound of a trumpet, with the whole world singing praises (vs. 5-7). When Jesus ascended into heaven, it was as a King going forth in triumph, triumph over His enemy Satan, and all of his minions.
Jesus defeated Satan at the cross, when He shed His Blood and died for our sins, rising victoriously on the third day. The Ascension and taking His seat at God’s right hand further emphasized Satan’s defeat. When Jesus returns, all of Satan’s control and influence here on earth will be over. Satan’s power will be completely subdued.
When He returns, all nations will bow in reverence to the Lord Jesus. Right now we do not see that. Most countries, if not all of them, are in rebellion against Jesus and His Holy Word. Most people around the world disregard Him, scorn Him, toss His Word behind them as they follow a path of more and more sin and debauchery. Those who follow Jesus are treated with equal scorn. However, just like the conquering king, when Jesus returns these nations and people will be put under His feet, like the subdued enemies of a conquered country are (vs. 3).
In ancient times, when the leaders of a conquered country came to show their homage and allegiance to the victorious king, they would often bring their weapons, their swords and shields, sometimes their flag or banner, and lay them at the feet of the victor. In closing his psalm, this son of Korah, relates how all of the shields of the earth belong to God. He is the victorious King of all the earth. We may not see it now, as so much of the world shakes their fists in defiance against Jesus, but He will hold their shields in victory.
On that day we, as believers and followers of the Lord Jesus, can clap our hands and shout with triumph for our Savior (vs. 1). Jesus is seated upon His throne, and will reign, greatly exalted, over all nations. We will celebrate His kingship over all the earth.
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