Psalms 147:1-9

1 (146-1) Alleluia. Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise.

2 (146-2) The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: he will gather together the dispersed of Israel.

3 (146-3) Who healeth the broken of heart, and bindeth up their bruises.

4 (146-4) Who telleth the number of the stars: and calleth them all by their names.

5 (146-5) Great is our Lord, and great is his power: and of his wisdom there is no number.

6 (146-6) The Lord lifteth up the meek, and bringeth the wicked down even to the ground.

7 (146-7) Sing ye to the Lord with praise: sing to our God upon the harp.

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.

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.