Psalms 147:11-20

11 but he takes pleasure in those who honor him, in those who trust in his constant love.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!

13 He keeps your gates strong; he blesses your people.

14 He keeps your borders safe and satisfies you with the finest wheat.

15 He gives a command to the earth, and what he says is quickly done.

16 He spreads snow like a blanket and scatters frost like dust.

17 He sends hail like gravel; no one can endure the cold he sends!

18 Then he gives a command, and the ice melts; he sends the wind, and the water flows.

19 He gives his message to his people, his instructions and laws to Israel.

20 He has not done this for other nations; they do not know his laws. Praise the Lord!

Psalms 147:11-20 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.