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147:1–20 This corporate praise psalm (meant for group settings) intertwines Yahweh’s special relationship with Israel and His work in creating and sustaining the world. The psalmist begins by exhorting the Israelites to praise Yahweh for His tender care of them and His control over the cosmos (vv. 1–6). He then connects Yahweh’s continuing sustenance of the world (vv. 8–9) to His ongoing protection of faithful Israel (vv. 10–11). The psalmist continues to focus on the protection of Israel by presenting the peace and stability of Jerusalem as a symbol of the nation (vv. 12–14). He then revisits Yahweh’s power over creation as proof of His ability to protect Israel (vv. 15–18). The psalmist concludes by articulating that Yahweh has a special relationship with the Israelites because He has revealed Himself and His word to them (vv. 19–20). |
147:1–6 In the Hebrew text, the psalmist begins by exhorting the nation to sing praises to elohenu (often translated as “our God”; v. 1) for His work in building the nation by bringing the Israelites back to Jerusalem (v. 2) and caring for them (v. 3). He highlights this special care for Israel by mentioning Yahweh’s power over the cosmos (vv. 4–5) and concern to protect the humble while punishing the wicked (v. 6). |
147:1 Praise Yah See 135:1 and note.
147:2 is building Jerusalem God strengthens Jerusalem in several ways in Psa 147, including gathering its scattered people.
Jerusalem NDBT
Jerusalem DBI
the scattered ones of Israel The main way that Israel’s people were scattered was through invasion and exile. This line seems to specifically refer to the Babylonian exile (ca. 586–539 bc).
Exile HIBD
147:4 stars The psalmist references stars (see Gen 1:16) to parallel Yahweh’s cosmic power with His meticulous attention to detail.
Stars DBT
Stars DBI
Psalm 147:4—Names of the Stars IVPBBCOT
147:6 the afflicted The Hebrew word used here, anaw, can depict dejection or piety.
the wicked One theme of Psa 147 is God’s rebuilding of Jerusalem (see v. 2), with an emphasis on loyalty to God and trust in His care for the righteous. Part of trusting in God is trusting in His justice—He will eventually punish unrepentant evildoers.
147:7–11 In these verses, the psalmist exhorts the Israelites to sing in thanksgiving (v. 7), emphasizing Yahweh’s provision for the created order (vv. 8–9). He also returns to the theme of accountability (from v. 6) as he exhorts the Israelites to trust Yahweh and remain loyal to Him rather than hoping for military strength (vv. 10–11). |
147:7 with thanksgiving The psalmist exhorts his audience to give thanks for God’s provision and care because doing so will help Israel maintain loyalty to Him (v. 14).
147:9 He gives to the animal its food Although people are near the pinnacle of the created order (Gen 1:26, 28), they are not the only creatures that Yahweh cares about and sustains (compare Job 39).
147:10 the strength of the horse In the ot, horses often represent military strength.
Horse DBT
Horse DBI
the legs of the man If the horse of Ps 147:10 is meant to represent military strength, this phrase probably indicates the physical power of warriors. It could also refer more generally to human capacity and strength.
147:11 those who fear him Describes a pious reverence toward God. See 90:11 and note.
147:12–20 In this segment, the psalmist fuses Yahweh’s care for Jerusalem (and all of Israel) with His power over the whole world. He begins by depicting the stability and health of Jerusalem (vv. 12–14) and concludes by describing Yahweh’s choice of Israel and revelation of Himself to them (vv. 19–20). The focus on the power of Yahweh’s word shows His ability to accomplish His plans for Israel (see note on 119:1–176, 119:9 and note). |
147:12 Laud Yahweh The Hebrew word used here, shavach yhwh, is a poetic variation of hallu-yah, which is a common exhortation in Psa 147 to praise Yahweh.
praise your God, O Zion The psalmist exhorts the personified temple mount to proclaim Yahweh as its God (see 146:2 and note).
147:13 he strengthens the bars of your gates The psalmist continues to describe how God builds up Jerusalem (v. 2).
147:14 peaceful The Hebrew word used here, shalom, is portrayed as the foundation of Israel’s prosperity.
Peace Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words
147:15 his word runs swiftly The psalmist personifies God’s davar (“word”) as His messenger or servant who acts quickly to fulfill His wishes.
Word Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words
147:18 He sends out his word The psalmist portrays God’s word sending snow and melting it (compare v. 15).
147:19 his word The psalmist associates God’s word with His choq (“prescription”) and mishpat (“judgment”; compare vv. 15, 18).
his statutes and his ordinances The psalmist may be associating Yahweh’s word with the revelation that He has already given (Exod 20) and His ongoing legal judgments (compare Ps 147:20).
147:20 He has not done so for any nation Although the ot sometimes indicates that Yahweh has given revelation to the wider world (see 19:1), He has only given Israel His specific legal revelation and ongoing provision.
Revelation NDBT
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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