1 Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely.
2 The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by [their] names.
5 Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite.
6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
9 He giveth to the beast his food, [and] to the young ravens which cry.
10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.
13 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.
14 He maketh peace [in] thy borders, [and] filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.
15 He sendeth forth his commandment [upon] earth: his word runneth very swiftly.
16 He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?
18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, [and] the waters flow.
19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.
Overview of Psalm 147
Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise that celebrates God’s greatness, His care for creation, and His special relationship with Israel. It emphasizes themes of restoration, comfort, and divine sovereignty.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into three main sections:
- Praise for God’s greatness and power (verses 1-6)
- God’s care for Jerusalem and His people (verses 7-11)
- God’s sovereignty over nature and His laws (verses 12-20)
Detailed Analysis
Praise for God’s Greatness and Power (Verses 1-6)
These verses open with a call to praise God, highlighting that it is good and pleasant to do so. The psalmist emphasizes the joy that comes from worshiping God.
- Verse 1: The verse introduces the theme of joy in praise, indicating that worship is a natural response to God’s goodness.
- Verses 2-3: God is depicted as a healer and restorer, particularly of the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit. This reflects God’s compassionate nature.
- Verses 4-6: The psalmist speaks of God’s omnipotence, mentioning His ability to count the stars and name them. This illustrates His vast knowledge and power over creation.
God’s Care for Jerusalem and His People (Verses 7-11)
This section shifts focus to God’s relationship with His chosen city, Jerusalem, and His people, emphasizing His protective and nurturing qualities.
- Verse 7: The call to sing to the Lord is reiterated, linking worship with recognition of His deeds.
- Verses 8-9: God’s provision for nature is highlighted, as He provides rain and feeds the animals, showcasing His care for all creation.
- Verses 10-11: The psalmist contrasts human strength with God’s delight in those who fear Him and hope in His steadfast love. This emphasizes the importance of humility and reliance on God.
God’s Sovereignty Over Nature and His Laws (Verses 12-20)
The final section of Psalm 147 reflects on God’s sovereignty and the special revelation of His laws to Israel.
- Verses 12-14: The psalmist calls for the city of Jerusalem to praise God for His protection and blessings, including peace and abundance.
- Verses 15-18: God’s authority over nature is highlighted, as He sends His word and commands the elements. This demonstrates His control over the natural world.
- Verses 19-20: The psalm concludes with a declaration of God’s unique relationship with Israel, stating that He has not done this for other nations, reinforcing the idea of Israel as His chosen people.
Theological Themes
- Divine Sovereignty: God’s control over creation and history is a central theme, showing that He is actively involved in the world.
- Compassion and Care: God’s concern for the brokenhearted and His provision for all living creatures reflect His loving nature.
- Worship and Praise: The psalm emphasizes the importance of worship as a response to God’s actions and character.
- Chosen People: The special relationship between God and Israel highlights themes of election and covenant.
Conclusion
Psalm 147 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s greatness, His intimate care for His creation, and the joy found in worship. It encapsulates key theological concepts that resonate with the faithful, inviting them to reflect on their relationship with God and the world around them.
