Psalms 147:8-18

8 (146-8) Who covereth the heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth. Who maketh grass to grow on the mountains, and herbs for the service of men.

9 (146-9) Who giveth to beasts their food: and to the young ravens that call upon him.

10 (146-10) He shall not delight in the strength of the horse: nor take pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 (146-11) The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: and in them that hope in his mercy.

12 (147-1) Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion.

13 (147-2) Because he hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates, he hath blessed thy children within thee.

14 (147-3) Who hath placed peace in thy borders: and filleth thee with the fat of corn.

15 (147-4) Who sendeth forth his speech to the earth: his word runneth swiftly.

16 (147-5) Who giveth snow like wool: scattereth mists like ashes.

17 (147-6) He sendeth his crystal like morsels: who shall stand before the face of his cold?

18 (147-7) He shall send out his word, and shall melt them: his wind shall blow, and the waters shall run.

Psalms 147:8-18 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.