GOD IS GONE UP WITH A SHOUT

When David escorted the ark of the Lord up to mount Zion, he wrote a psalm for the occasion, 1 Chron. 16. 7-36; Psa. 105. 1-15; Psa. 96; Psa. 106. 47-48. The first part of Psalm 105 is quoted in the record of that event in 1 Chronicles 16. Psalms 47 and 48 have the same event as their background. As a prophet, David the seer perceived the occasion as having more than local significance.

The ark of the covenant symbolized the presence of God among His people, and its instalment in Zion implied the establishment of the kingdom. The voice of triumph is heard, Psa. 47. 1. The “shout” of acclamation and the trumpet-sound assert God’s kingship, v. 6, and His kingdom, vv. 7-8.

He who was mocked with the robes of Jewish and Roman royalty, and crowned with thorns, uttered the triumphant, loud cry, “Finished”, Matt. 27. 28; Luke 23. 11; John 19. 30. The strong one was overcome by the Stronger, and his “goods” that he had held so securely were taken as spoils of complete victory, Luke 11. 21; Isa. 53. 12. By His cross, Christ “spoiled principalities and powers … triumphing over them in it”, Col. 2. 15. It is the Lamb of sacrifice that alone is worthy to take the kingly rule, Rev. 5. 12.

In His resurrection and ascension, He is exalted and made very high, Isa. 52. 13. He went up with a shout, Psa. 47. 5. Ephesians 4. 8 quotes Psalm 68 (which had reference to the ark): “he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men”. The “sure mercies of David” are Christ’s, Acts 13. 34. We are in the kingdom of God’s dear Son, Col. 1. 13.

By faith we know His goings in the sanctuary as High Priest, Psa. 68. 24, with all power and full sympathy, Heb. 4. 14, 15. Thus even now, before His public assertion of kingly rule, we should “say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth”, Psa. 96. 10, as we are led along in triumph in Christ, 2 Cor. 2. 14, in the heralding of the gospel.

In view of this triumph, we are to be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, 1 Cor. 15. 57-58, and “Sing praises … sing praises unto our King”, Psa. 47. 6-7, thereby owning His regal rights.