Berean Standard Bible · Public domain

Psalm 147

Israel’s prayers give language for praise, grief, repentance, and trust. Poetry uses imagery and parallel lines; each psalm should be read as a whole rather than as a detached promise.

Historical context & book outline

1Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and lovely to praise Him!

2The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel.

3He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

4He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.

5Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.

6The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.

7Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music on the harp to our God,

8who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the hills.

9He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call.

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

11The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.

12Exalt the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion!

13For He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses the children within you.

14He makes peace at your borders; He fills you with the finest wheat.

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

16He spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;

17He casts forth His hail like pebbles. Who can withstand His icy blast?

18He sends forth His word and melts them; He unleashes His winds, and the waters flow.

19He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel.

20He has done this for no other nation; they do not know His judgments. Hallelujah!

Read closely

  1. What repeated words, contrasts, or actions stand out in this chapter?
  2. How does this chapter fit the surrounding chapters and the book’s purpose?
  3. What did it communicate to its first hearers, before applying it to your life?