Psalms 147:7-17

7 Sing hymns of praise to the Lord; play music on the harp to our God.

8 He spreads clouds over the sky; he provides rain for the earth and makes grass grow on the hills.

9 He gives animals their food and feeds the young ravens when they call.

10 His pleasure is not in strong horses, nor his delight in brave soldiers;

11 but he takes pleasure in those who honor him, in those who trust in his constant love.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!

13 He keeps your gates strong; he blesses your people.

14 He keeps your borders safe and satisfies you with the finest wheat.

15 He gives a command to the earth, and what he says is quickly done.

16 He spreads snow like a blanket and scatters frost like dust.

17 He sends hail like gravel; no one can endure the cold he sends!

Psalms 147:7-17 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.