16 He giveth H5414 snow H7950 like wool: H6785 he scattereth H6340 the hoarfrost H3713 like ashes. H665
For he saith H559 to the snow, H7950 Be thou H1933 on the earth; H776 likewise to the small H4306 rain, H1653 and to the great H4306 rain H1653 of his strength. H5797
Out of the south H2315 cometh H935 the whirlwind: H5492 and cold H7135 out of the north. H4215 By the breath H5397 of God H410 frost H7140 is given: H5414 and the breadth H7341 of the waters H4325 is straitened. H4164
For as the rain H1653 cometh down, H3381 and the snow H7950 from heaven, H8064 and returneth H7725 not thither, but watereth H7301 the earth, H776 and maketh it bring forth H3205 and bud, H6779 that it may give H5414 seed H2233 to the sower, H2232 and bread H3899 to the eater: H398
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.