Read Psalms chapter 147 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.
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. 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).
1 Praise the LORD, for it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and fitting to praise him.
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem. He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite.
6 The LORD upholds the humble. He brings the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God,
8 who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains.
9 He provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call.
10 He doesn’t 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 loving kindness.
12 Praise the LORD, Jerusalem! Praise your God, 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. He fills you with the finest of the wheat.
15 He sends out his commandment to the earth. His word runs very swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles. 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.
19 He shows his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
20 He has not done this for just any nation. They don’t know his ordinances. Praise the LORD!