Psalm 147

Psalm 147 is a psalm of praise to God for His greatness, power, and care for His people. It celebrates God's sovereignty over creation, His compassion in providing for all creatures, and His particular love for Israel. The psalm calls on the people to praise God for His acts of restoration, protection, and provision.

Psalm 147:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

God is worthy of praise, and worshiping Him is not only good but also beautiful. God is portrayed as the One who restores His people, particularly in rebuilding Jerusalem after the exile and gathering those who had been scattered. His healing extends beyond physical restoration to the emotional and spiritual healing of those who are brokenhearted.

Psalm 147:4-6 (NKJV)
4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.
5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
6 The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.

God's knowledge and power are vast, as seen in His ability to count and name every star. His greatness is beyond human comprehension. Despite His omnipotence, God cares for the humble, raising them up, while He opposes and brings down the wicked. This contrast shows God’s justice and His care for those who depend on Him.

Psalm 147:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God,
8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.
9 He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that cry.

The psalm invites the people to praise God with gratitude, recognizing His provision through nature. God’s care for the earth is reflected in how He controls the weather, providing rain and food, even for the animals and birds. His providence extends to all of creation, showing His attention to every detail.

Psalm 147:10-11 (NKJV)
10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

God’s favor is not based on physical strength or human power. He values those who revere Him and place their trust in His mercy. This shows that God’s priorities are spiritual rather than material, and He delights in the humility and faith of His people.

Psalm 147:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you.
14 He makes peace in your borders, And fills you with the finest wheat.

Jerusalem and Zion are called to praise God for His protection and blessings. God is the One who ensures the city’s safety by strengthening its defenses and providing peace. He also ensures the well-being of His people by filling them with abundant food, showing His care for both their security and sustenance.

Psalm 147:15-18 (NKJV)
15 He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;
17 He casts out His hail like morsels; Who can stand before His cold?
18 He sends out His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.

God's control over nature is further emphasized as He commands the weather. Snow, frost, and hail are at His command, and no one can resist His power. Yet, He also brings warmth, causing the ice to melt and the waters to flow again. This shows God's authority over both the harshness and gentleness of the natural world.

Psalm 147:19-20 (NKJV)
19 He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel.
20 He has not dealt thus with any nation; And as for His judgments, they have not known them. Praise the Lord!

God’s special relationship with Israel is highlighted in the closing verses. He has given them His laws and judgments, which set them apart from other nations. This privilege of knowing God’s will and receiving His guidance should inspire Israel to continually praise Him for His unique favor.