Psalm 147

I thought I was avoiding everyone else by starting in the middle and just noticed that several of us are picking the same one. That is fine, since it may give different views. I have not read any else's reply on this yet. :)

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Psa 147:1-3 NKJV - [1] PRAISE the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. [2] The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. [3] He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

I like the way this Psalm starts. Praising God is good and much of that can be based on the ways He has taken care of those who serve him.

Psa 147:4-5 NKJV - [4] He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. [5] Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.

He is "big enough" to count all the stars - that is far more than any of us can really even imagine! We could never count them in our lifetime either, even with 10 stars counted per second! So many of them are out there!

Psa 147:6 NKJV - [6] The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.

God takes care of those with no one else to watch over them!

Psa 147:7 NKJV - [7] Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God,

A quick look at what our response to these things should be.

Psa 147:8-11 NKJV - [8] Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains. [9] He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that cry. [10] He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. [11] The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

Note that after all He has done, He still finds the greatest pleasure in someone who serves Him.

Psa 147:12 NKJV - [12] Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!

More of our response.

Psa 147:13-20 NKJV - [13] For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you. [14] He makes peace in your borders, And fills you with the finest wheat. [15] He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly. [16] He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; [17] He casts out His hail like morsels; Who can stand before His cold? [18] He sends out His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow. [19] He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel. [20] He has not dealt thus with any nation; And as for His judgments, they have not known them. Praise the LORD!

More of what He does. Note that it ends with a final look at what we should do in response - Praise Him!

Brad