Bible Study - Psalm 147:1-11

Psalm 147 is the psalm assigned for this coming Sunday in our churches. Some think that it was written when some of God’s people had returned from the many years of captivity and exile in Babylon and by God’s grace had been able to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There was a great celebration of joy described in Nehemiah 12:27-47, around 445-432 BC. Verse 46 of Nehemiah 12 remembers that “long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.”

Psalm 147 begins and ends with the words “Praise the Lord,” which in the Hebrew language is: “Hallelujah!” It is “good” and “pleasant” and “fitting” to do so (v.1) because the Lord Himself had gathered “these outcasts of Israel” and brought them back to their land and “built up” the walls of Jerusalem again, through blessing and protecting them (v.2). After many years of sorrow and trouble for the Israelites, the Lord was “healing their broken hearts and binding up their wounds,” both physical and spiritual (v.3).

How can our Lord God do this? He is the Creator and Preserver of all things. He even created the stars and knows them all (v.4). This reminds us of the fact that He also has said to us, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, you are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1). Jesus, as our Redeemer and Savior, also says that He knows us by name and leads us, as His sheep (John 10:3-4), as we listen to His voice, in His Word. The Lord is also “great” and “abundant in power” and “lifts up” those who “humbly” trust in Him (Psalm 147:5-6). It may not always seem that way, especially when we feel heartbroken and wounded by the troubles of this life and are struggling, but God’s ways and “understanding” are “beyond measure” (v.5) and beyond the limitations of our human minds.

God knows what is best and cares for the world and all its creatures, including us (v. 8-9). He also deals with wickedness, which creates so many problems for us and our world, but He does it in His own time and way, as He finally rescued Israelites from slavery and evil in Babylon (v.6). We are called then to sing praises to the Lord in a thankful way and make melody to Him with musical instruments, when appropriate, as the people did in the time of Nehemiah 12: 27 (Psalm 147:7).

Above all, we are to “fear and trust” our Lord and “find hope in His steadfast love” for us (v.11). Our ultimate trust is not in the things we often focus upon. Ancient people often trusted in “strong horses” and the strong “legs” of powerful warriors. (v.10) We might trust too much in money and powerful people and fascination with famous people and great sports teams (with the Super Bowl and the NCAA tourney coming - as good as all that is).

Our ultimate hope is in the Lord Himself and His Word and His saving work in Jesus. He helps us through all of this life and its joys and disappointments and brings us eventually to eternal life and peace. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!