Psalms
Summary
Psalm 147 is a joyful hymn of praise that celebrates God’s restoration of Jerusalem and His providential care over all creation. It describes the LORD as one who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds, while also determining the number of the stars and calling each by name. The psalm highlights God’s pleasure in those who fear Him and hope in His unfailing love. It emphasizes the unique relationship between God and Israel, as He has revealed His laws and decrees to them, a privilege not shared with any other nation. It is a call for Zion to praise her God for His abundant blessings and sovereign word.
Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.
Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.
He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.
He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a warrior;
The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Extol the LORD, Jerusalem; praise your God, Zion.
He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you.
He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.
He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?
He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel.
He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD.