Psalms 47:3-4

47:3 He subdued nations beneath us ¹ 

and countries ²  under our feet.

47:4 He picked out for us a special land ³ 

to be a source of pride for ⁴  Jacob, ⁵  whom he loves. ⁶  (Selah)

[47:3]  ¹ tn On the meaning of the verb דָּבַר (davar, “subdue”), a homonym of דָּבַר (“speak”), see HALOT 209-10 s.v. I דבר. See also Ps 18:47 and 2 Chr 22:10. The preterite form of the verb suggests this is an historical reference and the next verse, which mentions the gift of the land, indicates that the conquest under Joshua is in view.

[47:3]  ² tn Or “peoples” (see Pss 2:1; 7:7; 9:8; 44:2).

[47:4]  ³ tn Heb “he chose for us our inheritance.” The prefixed verbal form is understood as a preterite (see “subdued” in v. 3).

[47:4]  ⁴ tn Heb “the pride of.” The phrase is appositional to “our inheritance,” indicating that the land is here described as a source of pride to God’s people.

[47:4]  ⁵ tn That is, Israel.

[47:4]  ⁶ sn Jacob whom he loves. The Lord’s covenantal devotion to his people is in view.