Psalm 147:1-20
Q.1. What is the benefit of praising God? How great was and is the Psalmist’s God? How much does God care for all His creatures? Do any get special favour? – (Ps.147:1-11)
This was written to the outcasts (i.e. the exiles) of Israel and was based on the many promises of her restoration. Being treated as an outcast has often been Israel’s lot, down through the centuries. The Psalmist wrote the song to – Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is becoming… Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises to our God on the lyre (Ps.147:1 & 7 c.f. Jms.5:13). Quite apart from the joy that music brings, the Psalmist gave many reasons why this is appropriate. Astrologers and astrologists can only guess at the size and variety of stars in the universe. Our God made them all and has given names to everyone. – 4 He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. 5 Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite (Ps.147:4-5). The Psalmist described all the manifold ways in which God looks after His earthly creation (Ps.147:8-9). All this is mind-boggling. He then turned the spotlight on God’s personal care of the needy and defenceless (Ps.147:2-3, 6). His special attention is on fulfilling His grand plans for Jerusalem and gathering His children home (Ps.147:2). However, His best is reserved for those who keep looking above, because – The Lord favours those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness (Ps.147:11).
Q.2. Why is relying on men and armies inappropriate? What made God’s relationship with Israel different? Are His blessings automatic? – (Ps.147:9-20)
We live in a world that has been war torn throughout its existence, because people live on the horizontal plain, and forget to wait on God (Ps.147:10-11). However, down through the history of this troubled world, regardless of the prevailing conditions, God has cared for His own children. He will bring about His reign from eternity to eternity. It is good to always remember that – according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Pet.3:13). In like manner, Israel can look forward to a time of restoration, peace, and prosperity (Ps.147:12-14 c.f. Amos 9:11-15; Mic.4:1-7). Just as no one can resist even the earthly elements, how much less His word and His overarching plan (Ps.147:15-18). The Psalmist then highlighted the special place Israel has had in the purposes of God – 19 He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes, and His ordinances to Israel. 20 He has not dealt thus with any nation; And as for His ordinances, they have not known them. Praise the Lord! (Ps.147:19-20). We can be grateful that this is so (Rom.9:4-5).