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 ye Jehovah; For it is good to sing praises unto our God; For it is pleasant, [and] praise is comely.

2 Jehovah 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 counteth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by [their] names.

5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.

6 Jehovah upholdeth the meek: He bringeth the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing unto Jehovah with thanksgiving; Sing praises upon the harp unto our God,

8 Who covereth the heavens 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 no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 Jehovah taketh pleasure in them that fear him, In those that hope in his lovingkindness.

12 Praise Jehovah, 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; He filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.

15 He sendeth out his commandment upon earth; His word runneth very swiftly.

16 He giveth snow like wool; He scattereth the hoar-frost 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 showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel.

20 He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Praise ye Jehovah.