Psalms 147:1-9

1 Praise the LORD, For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and fitting to praise him.

2 The LORD builds up Yerushalayim. He gathers together the outcasts of Yisra'el.

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

4 He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.

5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite.

6 The LORD upholds the humble. He brings the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God,

8 Who covers the sky with clouds, Who prepares rain for the eretz, Who makes grass grow on the mountains.

9 He provides food for the cattle, And for the young ravens when they call.

Psalms 147:1-9 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.