Psalms 147
Psalms 147 is part of “Book V: The Deuteronomy Book” (107–150) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 147 summary
This is another psalm of praise. Some think it was penned after the return of the Jews from their captivity; but it is so much of a piece with Ps. 145 that I rather think it was penned by David, and what is said (Psa 147:2, Psa 147:13) may well enough be applied to the first building and fortifying of Jerusalem in his time, and the gathering in of those that had been out-casts in Saul's time. The Septuagint divides it into two; and we may divide it into the first and second part, but both of the same import. I.
Read the full introduction
This is another psalm of praise. Some think it was penned after the return of the Jews from their captivity; but it is so much of a piece with Ps. 145 that I rather think it was penned by David, and what is said (Psa 147:2, Psa 147:13) may well enough be applied to the first building and fortifying of Jerusalem in his time, and the gathering in of those that had been out-casts in Saul's time. The Septuagint divides it into two; and we may divide it into the first and second part, but both of the same import. I. We are called upon to praise God (Psa 147:1, Psa 147:7, Psa 147:12). II. We are furnished with matter for praise, for God is to be glorified, 1. As the God of nature, and so he is very great (Psa 147:4, Psa 147:5, Psa 147:8, Psa 147:9, Psa 147:15-18). 2. As the God of grace, comforting his people (Psa 147:3, Psa 147:6, Psa 147:10, Psa 147:11). 3. As the God of Israel, Jerusalem, and Zion, settling their civil state (Psa 147:2, Psa 147:13, Psa 147:14), and especially settling religion among them (Psa 147:19, Psa 147:20). It is easy, in singing this psalm, to apply it to ourselves, both as to personal and national mercies, were it but as easy to do so with suitable affections.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Psalms 147
Psalms 147 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
He Heals the Brokenhearted
1Praise ye Jehovah; For it is good to sing praises unto our God; For it is pleasant, [and] praise is comely. 2Jehovah doth build up Jerusalem; He gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 3He healeth the broken in heart, And bindeth up their wounds. 4He counteth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by [their] names. 5Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. 6Jehovah upholdeth the meek: He bringeth the wicked down to the ground. 7Sing unto Jehovah with thanksgiving; Sing praises upon the harp unto our God, 8Who covereth the heavens with clouds, Who prepareth rain for the earth, Who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. 9He giveth to the beast his food, [And] to the young ravens which cry. 10He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man. 11Jehovah taketh pleasure in them that fear him, In those that hope in his lovingkindness. 12Praise Jehovah, O Jerusalem; Praise thy God, O Zion. 13For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; He hath blessed thy children within thee. 14He maketh peace in thy borders; He filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. 15He sendeth out his commandment upon earth; His word runneth very swiftly. 16He giveth snow like wool; He scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes. 17He casteth forth his ice like morsels: Who can stand before his cold? 18He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow. 19He showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel. 20He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Praise ye Jehovah.