Psalm 147: A Song of Praise to the God Who Restores

Psalm 147 is a powerful expression of worship to the God who heals, provides, and rules with wisdom and kindness. Among the final chapters of the Book of Psalms, this song stands out for its exaltation of divine faithfulness and the restoration granted to God’s people. Written in a season of renewal after exile, Psalm 147 brings comfort, hope, and encouragement to all who trust in the Lord’s work.

In this article we will explore Psalm 147 in depth, reflecting on its context, structure, teachings, and practical applications. Get ready to dive into the riches of this biblical text and understand how it continues to inspire lives today.

Psalm 147 Complete

¹ Praise the Lord, for it is good to sing praises to our God; for praise is pleasant and fitting.
² The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel.
³ He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.
⁴ He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.
⁵ Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.

⁶ The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked to the ground.
⁷ Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises to our God with the harp.
⁸ He covers the sky with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and makes grass grow on the hills;
⁹ He gives food to the animals and to the young ravens when they call.
¹⁰ He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

¹¹ The Lord delights 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 strengthens the bars of your gates; He blesses 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 swiftly.

¹⁶ He gives snow like wool; He scatters frost like ashes;
¹⁷ He hurls His ice like morsels; who can withstand His cold?
¹⁸ He sends His word and melts them; He makes His wind blow, and the waters flow.
¹⁹ He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel.
²⁰ He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know His judgments. Praise the Lord.

Psalm 147 Complete Explanation

Psalm 147:1

Praise the Lord, for it is good to sing praises to our God; for praise is pleasant and fitting.
Praising God is beautiful and appropriate. The psalmist highlights that singing to the Lord is not only right but also delightful and uplifting. True praise gladdens the soul and honors God.

Psalm 147:2

The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel.
God acts as the restorer of His people. He rebuilds the holy city and gathers those who were scattered, showing His power to reunite and heal those who trust in Him.

Psalm 147:3

He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.
God cares for those who are emotionally wounded. He brings healing to broken hearts and tends to every pain. His love reaches anyone who feels shattered inside.

Psalm 147:4

He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.
The psalmist exalts God’s greatness by declaring that He knows and names every star. This reveals His authority over all creation and His infinite knowledge.

Psalm 147:5

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
God is immeasurably powerful, and His wisdom has no end. This statement reinforces our confidence that He rules all things with perfect justice and knowledge.

Psalm 147:6

The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked to the ground.
God values humility and brings down the arrogant. He judges differently from humans, looking at the heart and exalting those who live with reverence and simplicity.

Psalm 147:7

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises to our God with the harp.
The psalmist invites everyone to praise God with gratitude. Music becomes a sincere expression of thankfulness for His blessings.

Psalm 147:8

He covers the sky with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and makes grass grow on the hills.
God cares for nature. He sends rain and sustains the vegetation. Every detail of the natural world is under His continual care.

Psalm 147:9

He gives food to the animals and to the young ravens when they call.
God’s care extends beyond humanity. He feeds the animals and even the ravens, showing that no creature escapes His attention.

Psalm 147:10

He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
God is not impressed by physical strength or appearance. What matters to Him is an obedient heart, not human ability.

Psalm 147:11

The Lord delights in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.
God rejoices over those who revere Him and trust in His grace. Reverence and faith touch His heart.

Psalm 147:12

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion.
The holy city is called to recognize God’s presence and deeds. It is an invitation to continual, collective worship.

Psalm 147:13

For He strengthens the bars of your gates; He blesses your children within you.
God provides protection and security for the city and blesses its inhabitants. He watches over both structures and people.

Psalm 147:14

He makes peace in your borders and fills you with the finest wheat.
Besides protecting, God grants peace and provision. He ensures tranquillity at the borders and sustenance within homes.

Psalm 147:15

He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly.
God commands with authority, and His word is fulfilled quickly. Nothing can prevent His decrees from coming to pass.

Psalm 147:16

He gives snow like wool; He scatters frost like ashes.
The Lord also governs the climate, sending snow gently and covering the earth with frost, demonstrating His dominion over nature.

Psalm 147:17

He hurls His ice like morsels; who can withstand His cold?
The intensity of the cold displays God’s power. No one can resist when He reveals His strength through nature’s elements.

Psalm 147:18

He sends His word and melts them; He makes His wind blow, and the waters flow.
The same word that brings the cold also brings the warmth. God transforms everything by His command and controls natural cycles.

Psalm 147:19

He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel.
God revealed His will to His chosen people, giving laws and guidance that direct life according to His plan.

Psalm 147:20

He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know His judgments. Praise the Lord.
Israel received the unique privilege of knowing God’s judgments. Therefore the psalm ends with a call to praise in response to this gift.

Historical Context of Psalm 147

Psalm 147 was likely written in the post-exilic period, when the Israelites returned from Babylon and began rebuilding Jerusalem. This era was marked by physical and spiritual restoration, and the psalm celebrates exactly that—the Lord’s intervention in rebuilding the city and healing broken hearts.

Unlike psalms of lament or supplication, this one is a celebration that magnifies God’s goodness amid restored ruins. Throughout its verses the psalmist recognizes divine action in creation, justice, and mercy.

Poetic Structure and Central Message

Psalm 147 is divided into three major movements:

Praise for rebuilding and healing.
Exaltation of creation and God’s power.
Emphasis on the Lord’s word as the source of authority and wisdom.

Each section leads the reader to recognize God’s care not only in spiritual matters but also in tangible details, such as food provision and control over nature.

The Importance of Praise in Restoration

The psalmist begins with a vibrant invitation: “Praise the Lord.” This reveals that praise is the first step for those who recognize divine goodness. Psalm 147 not only exalts God but also shows that praise has healing power—it mends broken hearts and binds wounds.

This emphasis on praise shows that even after suffering and destruction it is possible to restart with faith. The God of Psalm 147 does not ignore pain but transforms it into restoration.

The Grandeur of Creation

One highlight of Psalm 147 is the recognition of God’s sovereignty over the universe—He counts the stars and calls each by name. The text unites majesty with intimacy. The same God who governs galaxies cares for the needy and disadvantaged.

This perspective broadens the believer’s faith, showing that God is both the immense Creator and the attentive caretaker. Repetition of this truth reinforces praise grounded in concrete facts.

Divine Justice in Contrast to Human Strength

The psalm warns that God does not delight in the strength of the horse nor the vigor of humans. Instead, His pleasure is in those who fear Him and rely on His love. This challenges common logic of self-sufficiency: God’s power is not based on armies or human structures but on spiritual principles.

He delights in genuine faith and sincere trust, so the people are called to praise with understanding, not just words, but with surrender and reverence.

God’s Provision in Everyday Life

Another striking point in Psalm 147 is God portrayed as provider. He covers the sky with clouds, prepares rain, causes grass to grow, and feeds animals. The message is clear: God is not indifferent to the daily needs of His creation.

Readers are invited to recognize that every resource—from rain to food—comes from the Lord’s generosity. This teaching fuels gratitude and strengthens trust, especially in times of scarcity.

The Value of God’s Word

In its final verses Psalm 147 celebrates something special: the revelation of God’s Word. He sends His command to the earth and His word runs swiftly. Beyond mighty acts, the psalm highlights the worth of divine guidance—the Lord’s Word is living, effective, and transformative.

Notably, the psalm ends by emphasizing Israel’s privilege in receiving this revelation. The greatest blessing is not material but spiritual: knowing God’s will.

Spiritual Applications of Psalm 147 for Today

The message of Psalm 147 remains current and deeply applicable. In times of mourning, loss, uncertainty, and restoration, this psalm teaches that:

God heals the broken heart.
Trust must be placed in the Lord, not in human strength.
All creation is under the Most High’s control.
Praise is an essential part of the life of faith.
God’s Word must be valued and obeyed.

Whatever the situation, Psalm 147 offers a vision of hope and new beginnings.

Comparisons with Other Psalms of Praise

Psalm 147 closely resembles the other songs concluding the Psalter, such as Psalms 146, 148, and 150. All follow the pattern of direct exaltation to the Lord, often without petitions, simply acknowledging His greatness.

This sequence is often called the “Hallelujah Psalms” because of the repeated phrase “Praise the Lord.” Together they form a symphony of worship that closes the Book of Psalms in glory.

Curiosities about Psalm 147

Psalm 147 is one of the last five psalms that conclude the Psalter with pure exaltation.
It is divided into three main sections, possibly reflecting distinct moments of temple liturgy.
The combination of praise and teaching is one of this psalm’s hallmarks.

FAQ about Psalm 147

What is the main message of Psalm 147?
The restoration that comes from God, who heals, provides, and rules with justice and wisdom.

What does “He counts the number of the stars” mean?
It shows God’s absolute knowledge of the universe, emphasizing His sovereignty.

Why does the psalm criticize human strength?
Because God is not impressed by appearance or physical power, but by a heart that trusts and fears Him.

How can Psalm 147 be applied daily?
By recognizing divine sovereignty, practicing gratitude, and valuing the Lord’s Word.

Who wrote Psalm 147?
The authorship is not specified, but it is believed to have been composed by leaders of the post-exilic period.

READ ALSO:

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

Milagres Hoje