Psalms 147:5-15

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

6 The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts 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 heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

9 He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that cry.

10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

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

13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders, And fills you with the finest wheat.

15 He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly.

Psalms 147:5-15 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.