Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 147
Francis D. Nichol (ed.) and contributors
Read Psalms 147 in the BiblePsalms 147:3
Healeth. God is the Great Physician of the soul and is touched by every pang that rends the heart. “Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice” (SC 105).
Psalms 147:4
Telleth. Rather, “counts,” or, “enumerates,” the heavenly bodies. The great advances of modern astronomy reveal the futility of man’s ever being able to penetrate to the limits of the universe, if, indeed, such there be. New and larger telescopes capable of reaching farther into space reveal only more stars and systems. The number. See on v. 5. What wisdom and power are displayed in marshaling the countless hosts of stars and in guiding and keeping them in their particular spheres. Names. See Isa. 40:26.
Ellen G. White
4 (Psalm 19:1-3; see EGW on Isaiah 60:1). The World Only a Jot—He made the night, marshaling the shining stars in the firmament. He calls them all by name. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork, showing man that this little world is but a jot in God’s creation (The Youth’s Instructor, April 4, 1905).
Psalms 147:5
Infinite. Heb. ’en mispar, “without number.” Mispar is translated “number” in v. 4. It is impossible to calculate the unfathomable depth of God’s knowledge. There is a limit to human knowledge, but there is no searching out of God’s understanding.
Psalms 147:6
Lifteth up the meek. He who controls the mighty suns in their orbits stoops to sustain those who are of a humble spirit. What condescension!
Psalms 147:7
Harp. Heb. kinnor, lyre (see p. 34).
Psalms 147:8
Who prepareth rain. All growing things are dependent upon God for rain, sunshine, and life itself (see Ed 104).
Ellen G. White
8, 16-18 (Psalm 135:7). Operations of Nature Are God’s Servants—There is scarcely an operation of nature to which we may not find reference in the Word of God....
Psalms 147:9
Young ravens. Compare Matt. 6:26; Luke 12:6, 7.
Psalms 147:10
Strength of the horse. In contrast with the heathen nations around, Israel was not to depend on horses or chariots in warfare (see on Deut. 17:16). The Lord has a thousand ways of accomplishing His plans and does not need to depend on any of His creatures to assist Him.
Psalms 147:11
Psalms 147:13
He hath strengthened. God’s protection is the best defense of any country. Without it other defenses are vain (see Ps. 127:1).
Psalms 147:14
In thy borders. From a military standpoint the frontier towns lie most exposed. If there is peace on the perimeter of a territory, there is usually peace throughout the land. The finest of the wheat. Literally, “the fat of the wheat,” meaning “choice wheat.” God desires to give His people the choice material blessings as well as spiritual.
Psalms 147:15
His commandment. The earth, as well as those who dwell therein, is subject to the commands of God.
Psalms 147:17
Morsels. Heb. pittim, here used metaphorically of hail.
Psalms 147:19
Sheweth. Heb. nagad. The form used here means “to place a matter conspicuously before a person.”
Psalms 147:20
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary — Francis D. Nichol (ed.) and contributors. Review and Herald Publishing Association · all rights reserved
Psalms 147:1
Praise is comely. See on Ps. 33:1. Nothing is more appropriate than for man, who owes so much to God, to show gratitude to the Lord. And yet how few, even among the professed followers of Jesus, show true gratitude.
Ellen G. White
These words of Holy Writ say nothing of the independent laws of nature. God furnishes the matter and the properties with which to carry out His plans. He employs His agencies that vegetation may flourish. He sends the dew and the rain and the sunshine that verdure may spring forth and spread its carpet over the earth, that the shrubs and fruit trees may bud and blossom and bring forth. It is not to be supposed that a law is set in motion for the seed to work itself, that the leaf appears because it must do so of itself. God has laws which He has instituted, but they are only the servants through which He effects results. It is through the immediate agency of God that every tiny seed breaks through the earth and springs into life. Every leaf grows, every flower blooms, by the power of God (The Review and Herald, November 8, 1898).