mountains. The Septuagint adds "and herb for the service of men". From thence it found its way into the Prayer Book Version. Compare Psalms 104:14 . Here, the addition is out of place, as "man" is not introduced till Psalms 147:10 . read more
Psalms 147God’s greatness and His grace, as in Psalms 146, are also the theme of this psalm. However, in this one, an unnamed psalmist viewed God as Sustainer more than as Creator. He provides what His creatures need."When Nehemiah and his people finished rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, restoring the gates, and resettling the people, they called a great assembly for celebration and dedication, and it is likely that this psalm was written for that occasion (Psalms 147:2; Psalms 147:12-14;... read more
Psalms 147:7 is a call to praise similar to Psalms 147:1. Psalms 147:8-9 picture God providing for His creatures through the operations of His providence. The psalmist may have mentioned young ravens (Psalms 147:9) because they are especially vulnerable. Ravens do not provide for their young as other birds do. They are very selfish (cf. 1 Kings 17:4-6). Nevertheless God takes care of baby ravens. read more
2. God’s objects of delight 147:7-11 read more
A song of praise in which the Psalmist recounts God’s mercies (1) in restoring Jerusalem, (2) in helping those cast down, (3) in caring for the animal world, and (4) in the changing seasons.2. Build up] i.e. rebuild, after the captivity.7. Sing praise] better, ’make melody.’10. Against self-reliance. 11. Hope in his mercy] better, ’wait for His lovingkindness.’17. Morsels] crumbs (of bread). Frost and snow at Jerusalem are comparatively rare. A change soon follows: cp. Psalms 147:18.19, 20. The... read more
Praise and Life Psalms 147:1 ; Psalms 148:12 I. The Universal Hallelujah. One has amplified and localized and modernized the application of this Psalm because it is, perhaps, in its call to Nature to find a voice and praise the Lord, more nearly akin to our own modern thought, more like the high Christian teaching of our own poet Wordsworth than any other in the Hebrew Psalter. II. A Pagan Hymn of Praise. We should err if we thought that the idea of praise to the Most High God was either... read more
Psalms 147:1-20THE threefold calls to praise Jehovah (Psalms 147:1, Psalms 147:7, Psalms 147:12) divide this psalm into three parts, the two former of which are closely connected, inasmuch as the first part is mainly occupied with celebrating God’s mercy to the restored Israel, and the second takes a wider outlook, embracing His beneficence to all living things. Both these points of view are repeated in the same order in the third part (Psalms 147:12-20), which the LXX makes a separate psalm.... read more
Psalm 144-150 The Hallelujah Chorus The five Psalms with which this marvellous book closeth are all Psalms of praise. The word “praise” is found in the Hebrew thirty-seven times. Each one of these Psalms begins and ends with a hallelujah; there are ten hallelujahs. First is a hallelujah which celebrates Himself, He who is the God of Jacob. Precious vision of Him who delights to call Himself “the God of Jacob,” the God who loves the sinner and has redeemed His people. Who is He? The Creator of... read more
147:8 Who {f} covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.(f) He shows by the example of God’s mighty power, goodness, and wisdom, that he can never lack just opportunity to praise God. read more
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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