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Psalm 147 | King James Audio Bible
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Psalm 147 begins with an instruction: ‘Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.’ This command introduces a composition that details God’s interactions with the world and His people, grounding the act of praise in observable actions and attributes of God.
The psalm describes God’s activities in restoration and healing, noting, ‘The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.’ These verses point to God’s engagement with both the community through the rebuilding of Jerusalem and individuals by healing their afflictions.
God’s sovereignty over creation is affirmed with, ‘He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.’ This statement emphasizes God’s omnipotence and omniscience, showcasing His control over the cosmos.
The psalm also details God’s provision for the earth, stating, ‘Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.’ This provision extends to all living creatures, as ‘He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.’
A distinction is made regarding the objects of God’s pleasure: ‘He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.’ Instead, God’s favour is towards those who fear Him and hope in His mercy, highlighting a relationship based on reverence and hope rather than physical might.
The psalm then turns to God’s blessings upon Jerusalem and Zion, illustrating God’s protection and provision for His people: ‘He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.’
The control of God over the natural order is depicted with, ‘He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.’ This control is further illustrated through the changing seasons and weather, demonstrating God’s power.
The psalm concludes by reaffirming the unique relationship between God and Israel, noting the exclusive revelation of His laws and judgments to them: ‘He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.’
Psalm 147, through its verses, presents a comprehensive portrait of God as Creator, Healer, Provider, and Lawgiver, using direct quotations to highlight the reasons for and the importance of praise. The psalm encapsulates a call to recognize and celebrate God’s presence and actions in the world, emphasizing a theology of gratitude and the duty of acknowledging God’s manifold gifts and acts.
Psalm 147 | King James Audio Bible
Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.
He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.
He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.
He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?
He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 147 | King James Audio Bible
- Praise As A Fitting Response: The imperative to praise God for His inherent goodness and the pleasantness of worship.
- Restoration And Gathering: God’s action in rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering the exiles of Israel.
- Healing And Care: God’s attention to individuals, healing the brokenhearted and binding their wounds.
- Sovereignty Over Creation: God’s knowledge of the stars and control over the cosmos, illustrating His omnipotence and omniscience.
- Provision For All Life: God’s sustenance provided to both the earth and its creatures, showcasing His role as the provider.
- Value In Reverence And Hope: God’s delight in those who fear Him and hope in His mercy, rather than in physical strength.
- Protection And Blessing For His People: God’s specific blessings upon Jerusalem and Zion, emphasizing His protection and provision.
- Control Over Natural Order: The demonstration of God’s command over the elements, affecting weather and seasons.
- Unique Relationship With Israel: The specific revelation of God’s laws and judgments to Israel, highlighting a special covenant relationship.
- Call To Continuous Praise: The concluding reiteration of praise to God, acknowledging His unmatched greatness and the depth of His care.
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Christian Art | Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible KJV The Gospel Of Saint John 14: 1-7 | King James Audio Bible YouTube: Connection With The Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible The Gospels are not just a collection of stories or teachings, but a window into the life of Jesus. By reading and reflecting on the Gospels, we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus was and what he came to do. As we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus was a man of great compassion and love. Jesus showed mercy to the outcasts and the marginalized, and he offered healing and hope to those who were in need. He also taught with authority, challenging the religious leaders of his day and offering a new way of living based on love and service. But the Gospels are not just a history lesson. They are also an invitation for us to enter into a relationship with Jesus. By reading and meditating on the Gospels, we can come to know Jesus more personally and deeply. We can learn from his example and seek to follow in his footsteps. So we may be encouraged to read the Gospels, perhaps starting with the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of John, as we read paying attention to how Jesus interacted with others and how he responded to different situations. We may ask ourselves what you can learn from his words and actions, and how we can apply them to our own lives. And as we read, we can allow ourselves to be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus. There truly is an historical Jesus. May the Gospels be a source of guidance, inspiration, and transformation for us all. How Much In The Gospels Is Historical, And How Much Is Myth, Legend, Trope, Figurative Thinking? It is difficult to say with certainty how much of the Gospels is historical in the modern sense of the word and how much is myth, legend, trope, or figurative thinking. The Gospels were written some years after the events they describe, and they were written from the perspective of the early Christian community. This means that the Gospels may contain a mix of historical facts and interpretation, as well as elements of myth, legend, and figurative thinking. That being said, scholars believe that the Gospels contain a good deal of historical information. For example, the Gospels describe specific places and events, such as the places where Jesus preached and the events of his trial and Crucifixion. These details suggest that the writers of the Gospels had access to historical information and intended to provide an accurate account of what happened. On the other hand, the Gospels also contain elements that are not seen by all as historical, howsoever this goes to the root of the faith, such as the miracles performed by Jesus and the accounts of his resurrection. Some see these as legends or myths that were added to the Gospels to help convey the message of the early Christian community. The question of how much of the Gospels is historical and how much is myth, legend, or figurative thinking is complex. What is important is that we approach the Gospels with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the stories and teachings they contain. We are in the Gospels in conversation with God – and with the many people who have had such faith and conversations – as with the historical Jesus. Why Do The Gospels Say Were People Afraid Of Jesus? There are several reasons why people may have been afraid of Jesus, according to the Gospels. One reason is that Jesus was a powerful and charismatic figure who challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He spoke out against corruption and injustice, and he called on people to repent and turn to God. This type of behaviour was seen as threatening by those in positions of power, and they may have been afraid of losing their influence or authority. Another reason is that Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons. These miracles were seen as evidence of his divine power, and they may have made people afraid of him. Some people may have been afraid of being healed or possessed by Jesus, while others may have been afraid of what would happen if they did not believe in him. Finally, some people may have been afraid of Jesus because of the prophecies and expectations of the coming of a messiah. The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for a saviour who would deliver them from oppression and establish a kingdom of God on earth. When Jesus arrived on the scene, he may have been seen as a threat to the status quo, and some people may have been afraid of what he might do. Might The Fear Be Related To The Fear Of God – The Injunction To Fear God? Yes, it is possible that the fear of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels may be related to the fear of God. In the Old Testament, the fear of God is often used to describe a deep reverence and awe for God, as well as a sense of humility and obedience in the face of his greatness. This fear of God is seen as a positive and necessary quality for a faithful believer, and it is often linked to the idea of fearing God’s punishment or judgement. In the New Testament, the fear of God is also mentioned, but it is often portrayed in a more positive light. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but to fear God, who can destroy both body and soul (Luke 12:4-5). This suggests that the fear of God is not just about punishment, but about a deep respect for […]
