Salmos 147
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Salmos 147:1-6
147:1-6 This first strophe (Ps. 147:1-6), like Psalm 146, lists several characteristics of God which can be ascertained by His acts (this Psalm is post-exilic). for Israel builds up Jerusalem gathers her outcasts (i.e., exiles, cf. Isa. 11:12; Ezek. 39:28) for the needy heals the broken hearted (possibly refers to repentant Israel in exile, cf. Ps. 51:17,18) supports the afflicted (i.e., often used of faithful followers) brings down the wicked (1) foreign nations (2) unfaithful covenant partners against paganism (i.e., astral idolatry, cf. Ezekiel 8) counts the number of stars (Gen. 1:16; Isa. 40:26, i.e., stars are not gods, cf. Ps. 8:3) calls them by name (i.e., controls them) YHWH is abundant in strength (cf. Isa. 40:26e) YHWH has infinite understanding (BDB 108, cf. Isa. 40:28) 147:1 "becoming" "beautiful" TEV, REB "fitting" "glorious" "be pleasing" "is comely" This ADJECTIVE (BDB 610, KB 657) can mean beautiful ‒ Sol. 1:5; 2:14; 4:3; 6:4 fitting, appropriate when used of praise to God ‒ Ps. 33:1; 93:5; Prov. 17:7 147:4b "He gives names to all of them" The naming of something in the ANE demonstrates authority over it (i.e., Adam naming the animals, cf. Gen. 2:18-20). 147:5b Notice both lines of poetry in v. 5 may be allusions to Isa. 40:26,28. The chapter as a whole extols the greatness of YHWH. 147:6 "to the ground" This can be understood in several ways. the defeated enemy bowing to the ground a circumlocution for death/Sheol SPECIAL TOPIC: WHERE ARE THE DEAD?
Salmos 147:7-11
147:7-11 As the first strophe began with "praise" (Piel IMPERATIVE), this one (Ps. 147:7-11) begins with "singing." sing ‒ BDB 777, KB 854, Qal IMPERATIVE sing praises ‒ BDB 274, KB 273, Piel IMPERATIVE The object of this singing is YHWH and His great acts. as sustainer of creation and the normal cycles of nature (cf. Ps. 104:10-17; this is usually attributed to Elohim) clouds rain plant growth food for animals (cf. Ps. 104:27b; 136:25) He does not trust in negative (cf. Ps. 33:16-17) (1) military power (i.e., the horse) (2) strength of men (lit. legs) positive (He does trust in) (1) those who fear (see SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR [OT]) Him (2) those who wait on His lovingkindness (see SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVINGKINDNESS [hesed]) 147:8 "the heavens" See SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN 147:9b The UBS Text Project (p. 1176) mentions a cultural proverb which asserted that ravens do not feed their young well (cf. Job 38:41), but here it is asserted that the compassionate provider God does! It may also be significant that the raven (BDB 788) was considered an unclean bird (cf. Lev. 11:15) but God still cares for them!
Salmos 147:12-20
147:12-20 This third strophe (Ps. 147:12-20) also starts off with IMPERATIVES of praise. praise ‒ BDB 986, KB 1387, Piel IMPERATIVE praise ‒ BDB 237, KB 248, Piel IMPERATIVE He is worthy of praise because of His covenant fidelity (esp. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 27-30) towards Israel (i.e., Jerusalem. . .Zion). strengthens the fortifications of Jerusalem (i.e., gate bars) blesses the children of the city (i.e., health, their number) the people inside the city (TEV) brings peace to the land provides a good crop controls the weather (Ps. 147:16-18) so as to sustain agricultural abundance (i.e., covenant promises, cf. Ps. 147:19) His special relationship (i.e., revelation) to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob SPECIAL TOPIC: MORIAH, SALEM, JEBUS, JERUSALEM, ZION 147:14b "the finest of wheat" This is imagery for agricultural abundance (cf. Ps. 81:16) because grain was such a staple of the ANE diet. 147:15 God's word is personified as running rapidly (i.e., going into all creation, cf. Ps. 19:1-6). In Hebrew thought God's word was a creative power (cf. Genesis 1). Once given, it would accomplish its purpose (cf. Isa. 45:23; 55:11). 147:19 "words. . .statutes. . .ordinances" See SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION. 147:20b "they have not known them" God's revelation was a special gift. It was meant to be lived out as a witness to the nations. Israel failed in this! See SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN. The UBS Text Project rates this phrase as "C" (considerable doubt). It recommends it as over against the LXX, Peshitta, NEB, "he does not let them know." This difference is MT, NASB ‒ ידעום ‒ בל LXX, NEB, REB ‒ ידיעם ‒ בל 147:20c The Psalm closes as it began—"Hallelujah"!