God is creator! That makes you and me creatures...dependent creatures, dependent on God. Since we are dependent on HIM we would do well to know something about HIM...what can we learn from our Psalm today? We learn that the same God who heals hurting hearts also numbers and names the stars (147:4–6). The same God who sustains all of nature (147:7–18) has also revealed himself in a special way to his chosen people (147:19–20). God is both Creator and Redeemer, and HE takes incredible delight in those who hope in HIM for his redemption (147:11).
God, who heals the brokenhearted (147:1–3), sustains the universe itself by His power (vv. 4–6). God, who supplies the living on earth (vv. 7–9), takes delight in those who fear Him and grants them peace (vv. 10–15). God, who controls all by His Word (vv. 16–18), has blessed Israel with His commands and decrees (vv. 19–20). Praise the Lord. Richards, L. O. (1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) (381). Wheaton: Victor Books.
What Israel should do is the same thing that you and I should do because all that HE did for Israel was simply a shadow of what was to come in and through HIS precious Son Jesus Christ! Let this be the cry of your heart before our creator and our redeemer!
love,
m
I. What Israel Should Do (147:1, 7, 12)
A. Praise God with your mouth (147:1, 12).
B. Praise God with your music (147:7) : Sing to God, accompanied by harps.
II. Why Israel Should Do It (147:2–6, 8–11, 13–20): The psalmist gives four reasons God should be praised.
A. For his work with Israel (147:2, 13–14, 19–20)
1. He rebuilds Jerusalem (147:2) .
2. He brings back the exiles (147:2) .
3. He fortifies the gates and sends peace across the nation (147:13–14).
4. He supplies the finest wheat for food (147:14) .
5. He gives his law to Israel alone (147:19–20).
B. For his work with nature (147:8–10, 15–18)
1. He sends rain for the grass (147:8) .
2. He feeds the wild animals (147:9–10).
3. He creates and controls the weather (147:15–18).
a. The cold snows, frosts, and hail of winter (147:15–17)
b. The warm winds of spring (147:18) : The ice melts at his command.
C. For his work with the heavens (147:4–5)
1. He counts and names the stars (147:4) .
2. He has absolute power over the heavens (147:5) .
D. For his work with the redeemed (147:3, 6, 11)
1. He heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds (147:3) .
2. He supports the humble (147:6) .
3. He brings down the wicked (147:6) .
4. He delights in those who honor him and hope in his unfailing love (147:11) .
Willmington, H. L. (1999). The Outline Bible (Ps 147:11). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.