Psalms – Chapter 47

Old Testament15 Verses

1A psalm of a canticle, for the sons of Core, on the second day of the week.

2Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

3With the joy of the whole earth is mount Sion founded, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king.

4In her houses shall God be known, when he shall protect her.

5For behold the kings of the earth assembled themselves: they gathered together.

6So they saw, and they wondered, they were troubled, they were moved:

7Trembling took hold of them. There were pains as of a woman in labour.

8With a vehement wind thou shalt break in pieces the ships of Tharsis.

9As we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God hath founded it for ever.

10We have received thy mercy, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

11According to thy name, O God, so also is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of justice.

12Let mount Sion rejoice, and the daughters of Juda be glad; because of thy judgments, O Lord.

13Surround Sion, and encompass her: tell ye in her towers.

14Set your hearts on her strength; and distribute her houses, that ye may relate it in another generation.

15For this is God, our God unto eternity, and for ever and ever: he shall rule us for evermore.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 47, containing 15 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1324). Here the emphasis falls on living the Gospel in daily work, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1604).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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