Psalms 147:7-17

7 Sing to the LORD a song of thanksgiving. Make music to our God with a lyre.

8 He covers the sky with clouds. He provides rain for the ground. He makes grass grow on the mountains.

9 He is the one who gives food to animals and to young ravens when they call out.

10 He finds no joy in strong horses, nor is he pleased by brave soldiers.

11 The LORD is pleased with those who fear him, with those who wait with hope for his mercy.

12 Praise the LORD, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!

13 He makes the bars across your gates strong. He blesses the children within you.

14 He is the one who brings peace to your borders and satisfies your [hunger] with the finest wheat.

15 He is the one who sends his promise throughout the earth. His word travels with great speed.

16 He is the one who sends snow like wool and scatters frost like ashes.

17 He is the one who throws his hailstones like breadcrumbs. Who can withstand his chilling blast?

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.