Psalms 147
A Call to Praise God; Reasons for Praise.This psalm encourages us to praise the Lord. Throughout the passage, we are reminded that praising God is not just a command, but it is good for us. The reasons for praise include God's care for His people, His power over creation, His kindness to those who are humble, His provision for all creatures, and His delight in those who trust and respect Him. The introduction calls everyone to focus their praise on God, because it is fitting and brings honor to both God and ourselves.v. 1: The psalm begins with a call: Praise you the Lord . We are told to sing to the Lord with thanksgiving and praise Him with music. Praising God is good, pleasant, and proper. It is our duty and it is also enjoyable. When we praise God, we fulfill the purpose for which we were created, and it brings us joy. Giving glory to God honors Him and brings honor to us too. v. 2: God cares for His chosen people. The Lord builds up Jerusalem . Whether it is building up Jerusalem from small beginnings or restoring it after destruction, it is God who does it. He also builds up the church. He brings people together, even those who were once outcasts. If people have been scattered by trouble, God brings them back and gathers them again. v. 3: God comforts those who are truly sorry for their sins. He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds . Those who feel deep pain and sorrow because of sin are comforted by God. He speaks peace to them, forgives their sins, and brings them joy again. Just as God lifted David out of a horrible pit and gave him a new song (Psalm 40:2–3 a), God brings hope and healing to all who turn to Him. v. 4–5: God is great and powerful, even over the stars. He counts the number of the stars and calls them all by their names (Psalm 147:4 b). The stars are too many for us to count, but God knows them all. He controls their movements and uses them for His purposes. This shows that great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite (Psalm 147:5 c). God’s wisdom and knowledge have no limit. – v. 6: God lifts up the humble and brings down the proud. The Lord lifts up the meek; he casts the wicked down to the ground (Psalm 147:6 d). Those who are humble before God are honored by Him, but those who are proud and wicked are humbled, sometimes by difficulties in life, and finally by God’s judgment (Job 40:12 e). – v. 8–9: God provides for all creatures, even the smallest. He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and makes grass grow on the mountains (Psalm 147:8 f). God’s care is seen in how He sends rain and makes plants grow, even in places where people do not farm. He gives food to animals and even to the young ravens when they cry (Psalm 147:9 g). This reminds us that even when things look dark, like during a storm, God is still working for good. In the same way, difficulties in our lives can lead to good results, just as rain brings a good harvest (Hebrews 12:11 h). – v. 10–11: God is pleased not by human strength, but by those who trust and respect Him. He delights not in the strength of the horse; he takes no pleasure in the legs of a man (Psalm 147:10 i). God is not impressed by strong armies or powerful people. What God values is a person who fears Him and hopes in His mercy (Psalm 147:11 j). To fear God and hope in His kindness should be in our hearts at the same time. Our respect for God keeps us humble, and our hope in Him gives us confidence. Trusting in God’s mercy is very pleasing to Him, because it brings Him honor when we rely on His goodness. – Jerusalem and Zion Called to Praise to God; God's Favour to Israel.This section calls the people of Jerusalem and Zion to praise the Lord. The place where God is worshipped should be filled with praise. The people living in the holy city and those serving at the temple, like priests and Levites, have a special responsibility to give God thanks. They have many reasons to praise Him: He is their God, and His presence brings them happiness and blessings. The passage reminds us that God gives special gifts to His people, and they should never run out of reasons to praise Him.v. 12: The psalmist commands Jerusalem and Zion to praise God: Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion . God’s altar is in the city, so it is right for His people to worship Him there. Those who are closest to God have the greatest reasons and duties to praise Him. v. 13–14: Jerusalem should praise God for its safety and prosperity. He strengthens the bars of your gates, protecting the city from danger (Psalm 147:13 k). Even if the people set up their gates and walls, it is God who really keeps them safe. He blesses the children and gives peace inside the country’s borders. God also fills them with the finest wheat (Psalm 147:14 l). This means they have enough food and enjoy the best harvests. All these blessings—safety, peace, and plenty—are reasons to thank God. The land of Israel was famous for its good wheat (Deuteronomy 32:14; Ezekiel 27:17 m), and for all these gifts, God deserved their praise. – v. 15: The psalm points to God’s power over nature. He sends forth his commandment upon earth; his word runs very swiftly . God controls everything with His word, and nothing can stop His plans. Just as the world was created by God’s command, it is still managed by His power. He speaks, and things happen quickly, just like lightning flashes across the sky (Luke 17:24; Daniel 9:21 n). v. 16–17: God is the one who sends cold weather, snow, and frost. He gives snow like wool, making the earth white and soft, and scatters the hoar-frost like ashes (Psalm 147:16 o). He sends out His ice like pieces of bread, and no one can stand before His cold (Psalm 147:17 p). These changes in weather show God’s power. Snow covers the earth and keeps it warm, like a blanket. Frost and ice remind us that God controls even the smallest details in nature (Job 38:22–23; Isaiah 1:18 q). If we cannot stand the cold He sends, how could we stand His anger? – v. 18: God also controls the thaw. He sends out his word, and melts them; he causes his wind to blow, and the waters flow . When God wants, the snow and ice quickly melt, and the streams run again. This shows both God's power and His kindness. Hard times do not last forever. God changes the seasons and brings relief, just as He remembered Noah and ended the flood (Genesis 8:1; Song of Solomon 2:11–12 r). The way God melts the ice is like how the gospel and the Holy Spirit soften hard hearts (John 3:8 s). v. 19–20: Israel should praise God for giving them His word and laws. He shows his word unto Jacob, his statutes and judgments unto Israel (Psalm 147:19 t). Other nations did not receive these blessings (Psalm 147:20 u). God’s word is more valuable than peace or food. Israel’s laws came from God, and they had prophets and priests to guide them. This was a special gift. No other nation had the same privilege. For this, Israel should thank and obey God. Jesus also said, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not to the world? (John 14:22 v). It is because God chose to do so out of His goodness.
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