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More Psalms commentaries
Psalms 144:1-15
True Happiness is Found in Those Who Trust in The Lord
Psalms 145:10-21
The Lord is Gracious to All
Psalms 146:1-10
Shout Praises to The LORD
Psalms 147:1-11
The Lord Delights Those Who Fear Him
Psalms 147:12-20
Even The Elements of Nature Obey
Psalms 148:1-14
Praise The Lord
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The Lord Delights Those Who Fear Him
Psalms 147:1–11
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Two explorers were on a jungle safari when suddenly a ferocious lion jumped in front of them. “Keep calm” the first explorer whispered. “Remember what we read in that book on wild animals? If you stand perfectly still and look the lion in the eye, he will turn and … More
It sounds like this Psalm may have been written after the return of the Jews from Babylon (v. 2). There seems to be two themes running throughout the Psalm. One is a praise of God for His goodness to his creatures and the other a praise of God for his goodness to His people. He uses the heavens to water the hills which produces the grass that feeds the animals which helps to feed man.
At the same time he takes care of the broken hearts and has pleasure in those who fear Him and put their trust in Him. The stars are so many that no one on this earth can count them; they lie so far in the depth of space (v. 4). No man would be right to suppose he has seen most of them, even with the aid of the most powerful telescopes. A Holy fear of God will keep our hope from becoming self-sufficient and at the same time our hope in God will overcome any fear in our life that may lead to discouragement. Balance is the key.
God is not interested in the physical and material strength of nations. “The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him. In those that hope in His mercy” (v. 11). God is not impressed by the nations who build up mighty arsenals of weapons and yet, do not fear God or find their hope in His mercy. What an indictment this is on the military super powers of the world who have forgotten God in their quest for superiority. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear (have an awesome reverence for) Him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Application
Notice in verse 10 that it is not the strength (legs) of man that impresses God but the quality of fearing God (v.11) that gives him pleasure. Today, fear most often means being afraid of something or someone. However, the Bible often uses the word “fear” to describe the sense of respect or awe that people should have for God because of his greatness and His love. It is my desire to place my complete confidence in God’s grace and unfailing love today and not in anything I possess.
Psalms 147:1-11 (English Standard Version)
Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »
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