Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 147:1-11

Here, I. The duty of praise is recommended to us. It is not without reason that we are thus called to it again and again: Praise you the Lord (Ps. 147:1), and again (Ps. 147:7), Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving, sing praise upon the harp to our God (let all our praises be directed to him and centre in him), for it is good to do so; it is our duty, and therefore good in itself; it is our interest, and therefore good for us. It is acceptable to our Creator and it answers the end of our... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 147:8

Who covereth the heaven with clouds ,.... Which are exhalations of vapours out of the earth, and of waters out of the sea, by the sun, and formed into clouds; which are carried about in the air, and let down in showers of rain upon the earth, in proper places, for the good of the inhabitants; and sometimes, when necessary, the heavens are covered and become black with them, as in the times of Ahab, 2 Kings 18:35 ; and though they look dark, dull, and melancholy, yet are for great... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 147:8

Who covereth the heaven with clouds - Collects the vapours together, in order to cause it to rain upon the earth. Even the direction of the winds, the collection of the clouds, and the descent of the rain, are under the especial management of God. These things form a part of his providential management of the world. Maketh grass to grow upon the mountains - After this clause the Vulgate, the Septuagint, Ethiopic, Arabic, and Anglo-Saxon, add, and herb for the service of man. It appears... 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 147:7-11

God worthy of praise. "A fresh burst of praise because of God's Fatherly care, as shown in his provision for the wants of the cattle and the fowls of the air. And as he feeds the ravens, which have neither storehouse nor barn, but only cry to him for their food, so amongst men his delight is not in those who trust in their own strength and swiftness, but in those who look to him, and put their trust in his goodness." God is to be praised— I. BECAUSE HE PROVIDES FOR THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:8

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth. In the parched and sultry East "clouds" and "rain" are a boon that we of the temperate West can scarcely appreciate. The cruel heat of the solar rays in a clear sky for weeks or months together causes a longing of the intensest kind for shade and moisture. Man and beast alike rejoice when the time of the autumn rains draws near, and the cloudless blue of the summer heaven gives place (of a sky that is gray and overcast... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 147:8

God's care of the mountain grasses. The following extract from Hugh Macmillan's 'Bible Teaching in Nature' suggests both sermon-topic and illustration, and the peculiarities noticed are fresh and unfamiliar: "The mountain grasses grow spontaneously; they require no culture but such as the rain and the sunshine of heaven supply. They obtain their nourishment directly from the inorganic soil, and are independent of organic materials. Nowhere is the grass so green and vigorous as on the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 147:8

Who covereth the heaven with clouds - Clouds that are designed to convey refreshing rain to the earth. The reasons for praise here stated Psalms 147:8-9 are derived from the goodness of God as exhibited in his providential arrangements for the good of man.Who prepareth rain for the earth - By causing it to be taken from the sea, carried by the clouds, and conveyed through the air to the places where it is needed, and then gently sprinkled on the earth. Compare the notes at Psalms 104:13 : “He... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 147:7-9

Psalms 147:7-9. Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving Hebrew, ענו ליהוה בתודה , literally, answer to the Lord in praise. “Sing alternately,” which may fairly be supposed to be the sense intended by the psalmist, as it was the ancient practice to sing alternately. Celebrate in this way, with your thankful songs, the infinite power, wisdom, and goodness of God. Sing praise upon the harp Let instruments of music accompany your voices, and exert your utmost ability in his praise. Who... read more

Group of Brands