Psalms 47:3-4

It is difficult to decide what is the exact force of the tenses in these verses. The most probable rendering (see Driver's Tenses, §§ 83 f., 173) appears to be either (1). He subdued the peoples under us … He chose our inheritance for us; referring to the settlement of Israel in Canaan as a proof of the universal sovereignty of Jehovah (Deuteronomy 32:8; Exodus 19:5): or (2), He hath subdued … hath chosen; referring to the recent triumph by which He had once more driven out the enemies of His people from the land, and proved that He had chosen it for their inheritance. The first explanation is preferable, for the second requires a somewhat forced sense to be given to hath chosen, which can hardly be justified even by Isaiah 14:1; Zechariah 1:17. Less satisfactory are the renderings subdueth… chooseth(R.V. marg.), expressing a general truth, though not perhaps without reference to its illustration by recent events: and shall subdue … shall choose, or may he subdue … may he choose.

3 a. appears to be a reminiscence of Psalms 18:47.

our inheritance The common word for Canaan as the possession destined for Jehovah's firstborn son Israel (Exodus 15:17; Deuteronomy 4:21; Deuteronomy 4:38; Jeremiah 3:19; &c.).

the excellency Better, the pride of J., the land on which Israel prided itself. So the Temple is called "the pride of your power," Ezekiel 24:21.

whom he loved Jehovah's love, not Israel's merit, was the ground of the choice. Cp. Deuteronomy 4:37; Malachi 1:2. R.V. marg. lovethis a less suitable rendering.