1471 Praise Yah,
for it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant and fitting to praise him. 2 Yahweh builds up Jerusalem.
He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the broken in heart,
and binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars.
He calls them all by their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power.
His understanding is infinite. 6 Yahweh upholds the humble.
He brings the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving.
Sing praises on the harp to our God, 8 who covers the sky with clouds,
who prepares rain for the earth,
who makes grass grow on the mountains. 9 He provides food for the livestock,
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 Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his loving kindness.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 147:1-11
Commentary on Psalm 147:1-11
(Read Psalm 147:1-11)
Praising God is work that is its own wages. It is comely; it becomes us as reasonable creatures, much more as people in covenant with God. He gathers outcast sinners by his grace, and will bring them into his holy habitation. To those whom God heals with the consolations of his Spirit, he speaks peace, assures them their sins are pardoned. And for this, let others praise him also. Man's knowledge is soon ended; but God's knowledge is a dept that can never be fathomed. And while he telleth the number of the stars, he condescends to hear the broken-hearted sinner. While he feeds the young ravens, he will not leave his praying people destitute. Clouds look dull and melancholy, yet without them we could have no rain, therefore no fruit. Thus afflictions look black and unpleasant; but from clouds of affliction come showers that make the soul to yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness. The psalmist delights not in things wherein sinners trust and glory; but a serious and suitable regard to God is, in his sight, of very great price. We are not to be in doubt between hope and fear, but to act under the gracious influences of hope and fear united.