The Word That Rules Creation

Psalm 147 has no title. It is the second Hallelujah psalm of the finale and has three stanzas, each starting with a call to praise. The first celebrates God's care for his people: Yahweh builds up Jerusalem. He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. Then the view widens to the heavens: He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.

The joining of cosmic power and personal tenderness is the psalm's great theme. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite. Yahweh upholds the humble. God provides rain, grass, food for cattle and young ravens. He doesn't delight in the strength of the horse. Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his loving kindness.

The final stanza focuses on God's word. He sends out his commandment to the earth. His word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool, frost like ashes, and hail like pebbles; then he sends out his word, and melts them. The same word that rules the weather is given to Israel: He shows his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus says that God cares for the ravens and cares even more for his people (Luke 12:24).