A Pause to Think

(Psa 47:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

This is a good place to stop and think about interpreting scripture.  If you look at this verse and the next you see a clear declaration to “all” (3605) “peoples” (5971a).  Both of these are incredibly common words and they mean exactly what they say.  This is a declaration to all men, everywhere, to rejoice in the Lord.  Of course that assumes that you know who the Lord is and believe in Him.

If you drop down to verse 3 you see a different message.  That part is targeted only on the nation of Israel and probably only in the time of the monarchy.  It is not a universal proclamation.  That should be relatively obvious but it is a thought that often passes me by.

So?  Read with your mind turned on.  If it goes into automatic then expect to be surprised next time you read something.