Psalm 147

Introduction.—Ps. 147 is the second of the Hallelujah psalms. The psalmist ascribes praise to God for His goodness to His chosen people and for His blessings to the earth. The psalm consists of three divisions, each beginning with a call to renewed praise. Since God is healer, restorer, provider, and controller of all nature, the psalmist calls for universal praise. On the authorship of this psalm see FE 371.

1. Praise is comely. See on Ps. 33:1. Nothing is more appropriate than for man, who owes so much to God, to show gratitude to the Lord. And yet how few, even among the professed followers of Jesus, show true gratitude.

3. Healeth. God is the Great Physician of the soul and is touched by every pang that rends the heart. “Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice” (SC 105).

4. Telleth. Rather, “counts,” or, “enumerates,” the heavenly bodies. The great advances of modern astronomy reveal the futility of man’s ever being able to penetrate to the limits of the universe, if, indeed, such there be. New and larger telescopes capable of reaching farther into space reveal only more stars and systems.

The number. See on v. 5. What wisdom and power are displayed in marshaling the countless hosts of stars and in guiding and keeping them in their particular spheres.

Names. See Isa. 40:26.

5. Infinite. Heb. Хen mispar, “without number.” Mispar is translated “number” in v. 4. It is impossible to calculate the unfathomable depth of God’s knowledge. There is a limit to human knowledge, but there is no searching out of God’s understanding.

6. Lifteth up the meek. He who controls the mighty suns in their orbits stoops to sustain those who are of a humble spirit. What condescension!

7. Harp. Heb. kinnor, lyre (see p. 34).

8. Who prepareth rain. All growing things are dependent upon God for rain, sunshine, and life itself (see Ed 104).

9. Young ravens. Compare Matt. 6:26; Luke 12:6, 7.

10. Strength of the horse. In contrast with the heathen nations around, Israel was not to depend on horses or chariots in warfare (see on Deut. 17:16). The Lord has a thousand ways of accomplishing His plans and does not need to depend on any of His creatures to assist Him.

11. Fear him. See on Ps. 19:9; Prov. 1:7.

13. He hath strengthened. God’s protection is the best defense of any country. Without it other defenses are vain (see Ps. 127:1).

14. In thy borders. From a military standpoint the frontier towns lie most exposed. If there is peace on the perimeter of a territory, there is usually peace throughout the land.

The finest of the wheat. Literally, “the fat of the wheat,” meaning “choice wheat.” God desires to give His people the choice material blessings as well as spiritual.

15. His commandment. The earth, as well as those who dwell therein, is subject to the commands of God.

17. Morsels. Heb. pittim, here used metaphorically of hail.

19. Sheweth. Heb. nagad. The form used here means “to place a matter conspicuously before a person.”

20. Not dealt so. Compare Rom. 9:4, 5.

Praise ye the Lord. The psalm concludes with a “hallelujah” (see on Ps. 146:1).

Ellen G. White comments

3 DA 329; PK 668; SC 105

3, 4 MH 71; ML 297; Te 120

3–7FE 371

4 DA 329

5 MH 433; 8T 282

8 CT 185; MM 7; PP 115

11, 12 FE 371

16 MH 416; PP 115; 8T 270