Psalms 147:9-19

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

10 He doesn't 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 lovingkindness.

12 Praise the LORD, Yerushalayim! Praise your God, Tziyon!

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

14 He makes shalom in your borders. He fills you with the finest of the wheat.

15 He sends out his mitzvah on eretz. His word runs very swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool, And scatters frost like ashes.

17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can stand before his cold?

18 He sends out his word, and melts them. He causes his wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19 He shows his word to Ya`akov; His statutes and his ordinances to Yisra'el.

Psalms 147:9-19 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.