Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 147:12-20

Jerusalem, and Zion, the holy city, the holy hill, are here called upon to praise God, Ps. 147:12. For where should praise be offered up to God but where his altar is? Where may we expect that glory should be given to him but in the beauty of holiness? Let the inhabitants of Jerusalem praise the Lord in their own houses; let the priests and Levites, who attend in Zion, the city of their solemnities, in a special manner praise the Lord. They have more cause to do it than others, and they lie... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 147:13

For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates ,.... Of Jerusalem, of Zion the church of God. Gates are for the letting in of persons into the city of our God; which are Christ, faith in him, and a profession of it; see Isaiah 26:1 , "bars" are for the security of those that, are in it, and to keep out the enemy: and these, "strengthened", denote the utmost safety of the true members of Christ and his church; who have nothing to fear from their spiritual enemies, sin, law, Satan, the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 147:13

He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates - He has enabled thee to complete the walls of Jerusalem. From the former part of the Psalm it appears the walls were then to progress; from this part, they appear to be completed, and provisions to be brought into the city, to support its inhabitants. The gates were set up and well secured by bars, so that the grain, etc., was in safety. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:12-20

National well-being. Piety and patriotism, that go so well together and were so intimately bound together in the mind of the Jews, are here very closely associated. We, too, are convinced that the future of our country will be determined by its faithfulness or unfaithfulness to the Lord whom it professes to serve. There are four features of national well-being here. I. SECURITY . ( Psalms 147:13 .) "He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates." Jerusalem was surrounded by its... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:13

For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates. The strength of gates in the ancient world depended wholly upon their bars, which were generally strong beams of wood passed across from side to side of the gateway, about midway up the gate, having their ends inserted into strong iron hooks or clamps, which were let into the stonework of the walls. The "bars" of the gates of Jerusalem are mentioned in Nehemiah repeatedly ( Psalms 3:3 , Psalms 3:6 , 13, 14, 15; Psalms 7:3 ). He hath... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 147:13

For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates - He has made thee safe and secure - as if he had given additional strength to the fastenings of the gates of the city. Cities were surrounded by walls. They were entered through gates. Those gates were fastened by bars passed across them, to which the gates were secured. The language here might be applicable to any period, but it is probable that there is particular reference to Jerusalem as made strong in rebuilding it after the return from... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 147:13-14

Psalms 147:13-14. For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates Thy strength consists not in thy walls, and gates, and bars, but in his protection. They had walls and gates, and kept their gates barred in time of danger; but that would not have been an effectual security to them, if God had not strengthened the bars of their gates, and fortified their fortifications. Let us remember, the most probable means we can devise for our defence and preservation will not answer the end, unless God... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 147:1-20

Psalms 147-150 Praise the LordGod’s people should praise him constantly for his merciful and loving care: his care over them in particular (147:1-2), his care over those who sorrow (3), his care over all his creation (4), and his special care for the downtrodden (5-6). God delights to provide for the physical needs of his creatures (7-9). But of all his creatures, those he delights in most are those who humbly trust in his steadfast love (10-11). That is why he delights in Israel above other... read more

Group of Brands