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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 147:12

Verse 12 12.Celebrate Jehovah, O Jerusalem! Having spoken in general of the mercies of God, he again addresses his discourse to the Lord’s people, who alone, as we have remarked already, can appreciate them, calling upon them to recognize with thanksgiving the blessings which others riot upon without acknowledgment. Under the name of Jerusalem, he comprises the whole Church, for in that place the faithful then held their religious assemblies, and flowed together as it were to the standard of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 147:15

Verse 15 15.While he sends forth, etc. He again touches upon some instances of the operation of God, everywhere to be seen in the system of nature. And as the changes which take place in the air, and upon the earth, and which should be considered evidences of his power, may perhaps be regarded by the world as the effect of chance, the Psalmist, before proceeding to speak of the snow, hoar frost, and ice, expressly declares, that earth is governed by his power and control. The sending forth of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 147:19

Verse 19 19.He announces his words to Jacob, etc. Here it is another word that is spoken of than what was formerly mentioned; for God speaks in a different way to the insensate works of his hands, which he silently subordinates to his will by secret laws impressed upon them, than he does to men who are endued with understanding, for these he teaches with articulate language, that they may obey him intelligently and with consent. Although the blessings formerly mentioned are not to be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:1

Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God (comp. Psalms 92:1 ). For it is pleasant (see Psalms 135:3 ). And praise is comely ; rather, becoming , or seemly—suitable , that is, to such a Being as we know God to be. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:1

In praise of praise. This psalm carries on and gloriously sustains the great Hallel of adoring gratitude and glad thanksgiving with which the Book of Psalms ends. This first verse contains a threefold laudation of the Lord's praise. I. BECAUSE " IT IS GOOD ." And this is most true. 1. In reference to God. For it ministers pleasure to him. Do not the experiences of many a parental heart bear witness to this truth? Are not we delighted with the loving utterances of our... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:1

The pleasantness of praise. When the poet Carpani inquired of his friend Haydn how it happened that his church music was always so cheerful, the great composer made the following reply: "I cannot make it otherwise; I write according to the thought I feel. When I think upon God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes dance and leap, as it were, from my pen, and since God has given me a cheerful heart, it will be pardoned me that I praise him with a cheerful spirit." Religious life and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:1-6

Jehovah the infinitely Mighty and Omniscient One, in the creation and in the human world, worthy, therefore, of all praise and worship. "Celebrates God's almighty and gracious rule over his people, and over the world of nature, but mingles with this a special commemoration of his goodness in bringing back his people from their captivity, and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem." I. GOD IS ALMIGHTY IN THE WORK OF THE MATERIAL UNIVERSE . 1. He created the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:1-11

Foundation-truths. We are summoned by the psalmist to praise God; we are told that praise is "pleasant" and "comely" ( Psalms 147:1 ); it is an act which is congenial and fitting, because the God we worship is one who is worthy of all the homage we can pay him; he is "greatly to be praised" ( Psalms 145:3 ). The grounds on which we are invited to bless God are very familiar, but they are very sound and strong; we can never dwell too much upon them. I. HIS INFINITUDE IN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:2

The Lord doth build up Jerusalem . The rebuilding of Jerusalem after the return from the Babylonish captivity covered a space of above ninety years, from B.C. 538 till B.C. 445. First the temple was built; then the city; finally, the walls and the gates. It was in connection with this last portion of the building that the present psalm seems to have been written. He gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. The exiles returned gradually—some with Zerubbabel; some with Ezra, in B.C. 457;... read more

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