Psalm 147:2

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; and he will gather together the dispersed of Israel.

Psalm 147:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 147:2

The Lord doth build up Jerusalem
Literally, after the Babylonish captivity, according to some; or rather when taken from the Jebusites by David; or spiritually the church, which is often called Jerusalem, even the Gospel church, of which Christ is the builder, his ministers are instruments, his people are the materials, and which, though now greatly fallen to decay, will be rebuilt by him in the latter day; when his work will be revived among his saints, his Gospel more powerfully preached, his ordinances more purely administered, and multitudes of souls converted; and which will be matter of praise and thanksgiving, as it is now matter of prayer; see ( Psalms 51:18 ) ( Psalms 102:13 Psalms 102:16 ) ( Jeremiah 30:18 Jeremiah 30:19 ) ; he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel;
the exiles from Babylon, as some; or rather such who in the times of the judges had been carried captive by their neighbours, or fled from their cities, in the times of Saul for fear of the Philistines, and who were gathered to their own country, cities, and houses, when David began to reign. Spiritually this regards the whole Israel of God, the elect of God, whether Jews or Gentiles, and the outcasts of them; so called, not because ever cast out or cast off by the Lord, being received into his favour, covenant, and church; but either because cast out of the company of profane men, as evil and unworthy; or cast out of Israel, the church of God, very justly, for offences given; but, being brought to repentance, are restored and gathered in again: or rather this may represent the Lord's people as in a state of nature, like the wretched infant cast out into the open field, scattered up and down in the world, in a state of distance from God, Christ, and his people; these are gathered by Christ in redemption, who came to seek and collect them together; and by his spirit in conversion, when he gathers them to himself, and into his fold; and this, as it is an occasion of joy to angels and saints, is matter of praise and thanksgiving to the outcasts themselves, thus gathered in. The Septuagint render it, to the dispersion or dispersed of Israel; see ( John 7:35 ) .

Psalm 147:2 In-Context

1 Praise ye the Lord: for psalmody is a good thing; let praise be sweetly sung to our God.

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; and he will gather together the dispersed of Israel.

3 He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.

4 He numbers the multitudes of stars; and calls them all by names.

5 Great is our Lord, and great is his strength; and his understanding is infinite.

6 The Lord lifts up the meek; but brings sinners down to the ground.

7 Begin the song with thanksgiving to the Lord; sing praises on the harp to our God:

8 who covers the heaven with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who causes grass to spring up on the mountains, [and green herb for the service of men;]

9 and gives cattle their food, and to the young ravens that call upon him.

10 He will not take pleasure in the strength of a horse; neither is he well-pleased with the legs of a man.

11 The Lord takes pleasure in them that fear him, and in all that hope in his mercy.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Sion.

13 For he has strengthened the bars of thy gates; he has blessed thy children within thee.

14 He makes thy borders peaceful, and fills thee with the flour of wheat.

15 He sends his oracle to the earth: his word will run swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool: he scatters the mist like ashes.

17 Casting forth his ice like morsels: who shall stand before his cold?

18 He shall send out his word, and melt them: he shall blow with his wind, and the waters shall flow.

19 He sends his word to Jacob, his ordinances and judgments to Israel.

20 He has not done so to any other nation; and he has not shewn them his judgments.