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.
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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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
He Heals the Brokenhearted
1Praise ye the Lord, for it is good to sing vnto our God: for it is a pleasant thing, and praise is comely. 2The Lord doth builde vp Ierusalem, and gather together the dispersed of Israel. 3He healeth those that are broken in heart, and bindeth vp their sores. 4He counteth the nomber of the starres, and calleth them all by their names. 5Great is our Lord, and great is his power: his wisdome is infinite. 6The Lord relieueth the meeke, and abaseth the wicked to the ground. 7Sing vnto the Lord with prayse: sing vpon the harpe vnto our God, 8Which couereth the heauen with cloudes, and prepareth raine for the earth, and maketh the grasse to growe vpon the mountaines: 9Which giueth to beasts their foode, and to the yong rauens that crie. 10He hath not pleasure in the strength of an horse, neither delighteth he in the legs of man. 11But the Lord deliteth in them that feare him, and attende vpon his mercie. 12Prayse the Lord, O Ierusalem: prayse thy God, O Zion. 13For he hath made the barres of thy gates strong, and hath blessed thy children within thee. 14He setteth peace in thy borders, and satisfieth thee with the floure of wheate. 15He sendeth foorth his commandement vpon earth, and his worde runneth very swiftly. 16He giueth snowe like wooll, and scattereth the hoare frost like ashes. 17He casteth foorth his yce like morsels: who can abide the colde thereof? 18He sendeth his worde and melteth them: he causeth his winde to blowe, and the waters flowe. 19He sheweth his word vnto Iaakob, his statutes and his iudgements vnto Israel. 20He hath not dealt so with euery nation, neither haue they knowen his iudgements. Prayse ye the Lord.