10 He has no delight in the strength of a horse; he takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not take note of his face or how tall he is, because I will not have him: for the Lord's view is not man's; man takes note of the outer form, but the Lord sees the heart.
Saul and Jonathan were loved and pleasing; in their lives and in their death they were not parted; they went more quickly than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
There were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel: and Asahel was as quick-footed as a roe of the fields. Asahel went running after Abner, not turning to the right or to the left. Then Abner, looking back, said, Is it you, Asahel? And he said, It is I. And Abner said, Then go to the right or to the left and put your hands on one of the fighting-men and take his arms. But Asahel would not be turned away from going after Abner. Then again Abner said to Asahel, Go to one side, do not keep on coming after me: why will you make me put an end to you? for then I will be shamed before your brother Joab. But still he did not go to one side: so Abner gave him a back blow in the stomach with his spear, so that the spear came out at his back; and he went down on the earth, wounded to death: and all those who came to the place where Asahel went down dead, came to a stop.
She is cruel to her young ones, as if they were not hers; her work is to no purpose; she has no fear. For God has taken wisdom from her mind, and given her no measure of knowledge. When she is shaking her wings on high, she makes sport of the horse and of him who is seated on him. Do you give strength to the horse? is it by your hand that his neck is clothed with power? Is it through you that he is shaking like a locust, in the pride of his loud-sounding breath? He is stamping with joy in the valley; he makes sport of fear. In his strength he goes out against the arms of war, turning not away from the sword.
Some put their faith in carriages and some in horses; but we will be strong in the name of the Lord our God.
A king's salvation is not in the power of his army; a strong man does not get free by his great strength. A horse is a false hope; his great power will not make any man free from danger. See, the eye of the Lord is on those in whose hearts is the fear of him, on those whose hope is in his mercy;
The horse is made ready for the day of war, but power to overcome is from the Lord.
And again I saw under the sun that the reward goes not to him who is quick, or the fruits of war to the strong; and there is no bread for the wise, or wealth for men of learning, or respect for those who have knowledge; but time and chance come to all.
Cursed are those who go down to Egypt for help, and who put their faith in horses; looking to war-carriages for salvation, because of their numbers; and to horsemen, because they are very strong; but they are not looking to the Holy One of Israel, or turning their hearts to the Lord;
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 147
Commentary on Psalms 147 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 147
Ps 147:1-20. This and the remaining Psalms have been represented as specially designed to celebrate the rebuilding of Jerusalem (compare Ne 6:16; 12:27). They all open and close with the stirring call for praise. This one specially declares God's providential care towards all creatures, and particularly His people.
1. (Compare Ps 92:1; 135:3).
2. (Compare Ps 107:3; Isa 11:12).
3. Though applicable to the captive Israelites, this is a general and precious truth.
wounds—(Compare Margin).
4, 5. God's power in nature (Isa 40:26-28, and often) is presented as a pledge of His power to help His people.
telleth … stars—what no man can do (Ge 15:5).
6. That power is put forth for the good of the meek and suffering pious, and confusion of the wicked (Ps 146:8, 9).
7-9. His providence supplies bountifully the wild animals in their mountain homes.
Sing … Lord—literally, "Answer the Lord," that is, in grateful praise to His goodness, thus declared in His acts.
10, 11. The advantages afforded, as in war by the strength of the horse or the agility of man, do not incline God to favor any; but those who fear and, of course, trust Him, will obtain His approbation and aid.
13. strengthened … gates—or, means of defense against invaders,
14. maketh … borders—or, territories (Ge 23:17; Isa 54:12).
filleth thee, &c.—(Compare Margin).
15-18. God's Word, as a swift messenger, executes His purpose, for with Him to command is to perform (Ge 1:3; Ps 33:9), and He brings about the wonders of providence as easily as men cast crumbs.
17. morsels—used as to food (Ge 18:5), perhaps here denotes hail.
19, 20. This mighty ruler and benefactor of heaven and earth is such especially to His chosen people, to whom alone (De 4:32-34) He has made known His will, while others have been left in darkness. Therefore unite in the great hallelujah.