Psalms 147:4-14

4 He determines how many stars there are and calls them all by name.

5 Our Lord is great, his power is vast, his wisdom beyond all telling.

6 ADONAI sustains the humble but brings the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to ADONAI with thanks, sing praises on the lyre to our God.

8 He veils the sky with clouds; he provides the earth with rain; he makes grass grow on the hills;

9 he gives food to the animals, even to the young ravens when they cry.

10 He takes no delight in the strength of a horse, no pleasure in a runner's speed.

11 ADONAI takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who wait for his grace.

12 Glorify ADONAI, Yerushalayim! Praise your God, Tziyon!

13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates, he blesses your children within you,

14 he brings peace within your borders, he gives you your fill of the finest wheat.

Psalms 147:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 147

This psalm is thought to be written by David, and according to Theodoret predicts the return of the Jews from Babylon, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem by Zerubbabel, which seems to be grounded on Ps 147:2; though the words there agree well enough with the times of David; hence the title in the Septuagint, Ethiopic, Arabic, and Syriac versions, and Apollinarius, is as the preceding; the Syriac adds,

``concerning Zerubbabel and Joshua the priest, and Ezra, who were solicitous and diligent in building Jerusalem.''

Aben Ezra and other Jewish writers think it foretells the future rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the restoration of the Jews from their present captivity, and refer it to the times of the Messiah; and so far it may be right, that it respects Christ and the praise of him, on account of his nature and works; and may take in the conversion of the Jews. It seems to be written by the same person, and on the same account, as the preceding psalm.