Psalms 147:10-20

10 He's not impressed with horsepower; the size of our muscles means little to him.

11 Those who fear God get God's attention; they can depend on his strength.

12 Jerusalem, worship God! Zion, praise your God!

13 He made your city secure, he blessed your children among you.

14 He keeps the peace at your borders, he puts the best bread on your tables.

15 He launches his promises earthward - how swift and sure they come!

16 He spreads snow like a white fleece, he scatters frost like ashes,

17 He broadcasts hail like birdseed - who can survive his winter?

18 Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter - suddenly it's spring!

19 He speaks the same way to Jacob, speaks words that work to Israel.

20 He never did this to the other nations; they never heard such commands. Hallelujah!

Psalms 147:10-20 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.