Psalm 147

God's greatness and His grace are also the theme of this psalm. However in this one an unnamed psalmist viewed God as Sustainer more than as Creator. He provides what His creatures need.

 1. God's objects of control 147:1-6

147:1 After the initial call to praise the Lord, the writer explained that such praise is pleasant and appropriate.

147:2-3 The fact that God brought His people back to the Promised Land and enabled them to rebuild Jerusalem shows He can and does heal the brokenhearted. He heals and restores those who repent and return to Him.

147:4-6 People count what they possess. Naming something expresses one's sovereignty over it. Thus verse 4 expresses God's sovereignty over the heavens. God's greatness is also obvious in His abundant strength and boundless understanding. He upholds the afflicted and brings down the wicked. In other words, He controls all the heavenly bodies and all human beings.

 2. God's objects of delight 147:7-11

147:7-9 Verse 7 is a call to praise that is similar to verse 1. Verses 8 and 9 picture God providing for His creatures through the operations of His providence. The psalmist may have mentioned young ravens (v. 9) because they are specially vulnerable. Ravens do not provide for their young as other birds do. They are very selfish (cf. 1 Kings 17:4-6). Nevertheless God takes care of baby ravens.

147:10-11 God does not take pleasure in the symbols of strength that impress humans. He sees and delights in what demonstrates true spiritual strength, namely trust in Himself. This makes Him praiseworthy.

 3. God's instrument of blessing 147:12-20

147:12-14 Verse 12 introduces a third round of praise (cf. vv. 1, 7). The psalmist called on the Israelites to praise God because He had brought security, stability, peace and prosperity to Jerusalem again.

147:15-20 Verses 15-18 describe the powerful effect God's commands have on creation (cf. vv. 4, 8-9). God also sent His Word to Israel (vv. 19-20; cf. vv. 2-3, 6, 11). This was a unique blessing since it involved a revelation of His gracious will. God's people should praise Him in view of all these things.

"It has been well pointed out that, purely as the means of getting things done, statutes and ordinances, or even appeals and encouragements, are most uncertain tools. So by addressing us, not programming us, God shows that He seeks a relationship, not simply a sequence of actions carried out."²⁰⁹

God's greatness as seen in His control over nature and His graciousness as seen in His dealings with His people call for praise. God sustains both the creation and His creatures with His Word.