Commentary on Psalm 147:12-20

Psalms 146–150 comprise the fivefold doxology that concludes the Hebrew Psalter. The five psalms begin and end with “Hallelujah” (“praise YHWH”). The identical beginning and ending of the prayed poems reflect a common structure in Hebrew poetry, the inclusio or envelope structure marking the boundaries of the psalm. Many hearers/readers of the Psalms take “Hallelujah” to be a word expressing praise, but the form of the term is actually a plural active imperative verb calling the congregation to praise YHWH, in this psalm characterized as the one who reigns over the creation and the community of faith. 

Psalms 146–147 attend to the praise of individual worshipers and the community. The three concluding psalms sing of the praise of all creation. Psalm 150 concludes the Psalter with a great symphony of praise combining the praise of the congregation with the praise of the creation.  

A vibrant hymn of praise

Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise consisting of three powerful examples of the classic structure of Hebrew hymns of praise: imperative calls to praise followed by the reasons the community will sing praise to YHWH. The concluding “Hallelujah” renews the psalm’s call to praise for the congregation to carry with them in life’s pilgrimage of faith. 

Psalm 147 presents three clear examples of the standard form of praise in Hebrew poetry: the imperative call to praise followed by reasons for the praise (verses 1–6; 7–11; 12–20). These three parts of the psalm could each have been included separately in the book of Psalms but in this concluding fivefold doxology have been combined into one powerful hymn of praise. 

The reasons for praise constitute the praise of God in the psalm. We could summarize the praise in terms of singing and making music to the glory of God as creator, who reigns over the community of faith. Psalm 147 is a further step toward the great symphony of praise to YHWH that will conclude the Hebrew Psalter.  

A look at the text

The lectionary text is Psalm 147:12–20, but a brief look at the first two sections of the psalm would be helpful for context. The first section (verses 1–6) emphasizes the graciousness of YHWH toward Jerusalem. The reference is likely to the remnant returning after exile (“the outcasts of Israel”), characterized as “brokenhearted” and “downtrodden.” The gracious and powerful Creator lifts up the fallen. The second section (verses 7–11) celebrates divine faithfulness toward the covenant community in contrast to military power. God’s persistent fidelity offers hope even in the face of military speed and power (verses 10–11).

The third section of the psalm (verses 12–20) begins with a double call to praise and continues with a series of reasons for the praise, introduced by the characteristic Hebrew particle “for.” The first reasons for praising the divine are how YHWH attends to the specifics of the ancient covenant community (“gates,” “children,” “borders”). Verses 13–14 emphasize protection for living and for future generations, as well as generous provisions in the land of the community. Verses 15–18 emphasize that YHWH is creator of the world and creator of the covenant people of ancient Israel. The images portray God’s work in nature and seasons, and yet God is also the one who attends to the covenant community and guides its paths. 

The provision of wheat in verse 14 signals the move to creation, and the next three verses celebrate the power of YHWH as creator. Commentators are often reminded of the divine self-praise in Job 38–41. The final verses of the psalm move to divine word and command given to Jacob/Israel. 

The psalm includes both creation and covenant in ways that work together well. God provides for the covenant community in both history and daily life. God’s covenant relationship with the ancient community Jacob/Israel in history and God’s creation and provision for creation are both involved in the divine-human relationship in the praise of God in the Psalms. God reigns over both realms harmoniously.  

A summary conclusion

Verse 20 is a kind of summary conclusion for the whole psalm. In the praise of God in the Psalms, there is always reason for praising God. The concluding verse makes clear that God provides the covenant community with instruction for living. God is both the creator who blesses and the God who hears and comes to deliver. The psalm in the poetry of praise tells the story of how God has heard the need of the community and come to deliver, and has provided the blessing of creation for life. Verses 19–20 emphasize the covenant instruction (“statutes” and “ordinances”) for the community Jacob/Israel. These last verses offer an abundance of reason to join in the praise of God. 

The descriptive praise of God in Psalm 147 is comprehensive and vibrant. The community praises God for making life possible in deliverance, blessing, and teaching. Such vibrant praise of God pictures the history of divine life-giving care for the community, surely an important theme for the revelation of God in the season of Christmas focusing on the incarnation as the high point of that revelation. This blessing of the world has a long history of preparation as told in this psalm of praise; this psalm celebrates that history. It is a remarkable example of the vibrant praise of God in the Psalter and a fitting reading for the season of Christmas. 

A final reflection

I was reflecting on the significance of Psalm 147 and what it can do to us and for us, while driving this afternoon. We live in a culture of considerable chaos and division. This psalm calls us to join in the profound and joyous praise of God the creator and relationship-maker. Singing such praise brings to mind the long-standing memory and tradition of God as creator and redeemer and guide. Such participation in worship can renew in us hope, faithfulness, and care, and can enrich our downtrodden lives. The praise of God in the Psalms uplifts.