Psalm 147 gives a fourfold call to praise God (vv 1, 7. 12. 20) and brings out several reasons for doing so.
God is praised first for Israel's restoration after exile, including the return of people from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem (vv 2-3). This example dates the psalm as postexilic. (The LXX and Vulgate associate Psalms 146-147 with Haggai and Zechariah.)
The rebuilding and dedication of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah are discussed in Neh 6:15-7:3; 12:27-43. Prophecies of rebuilding, covering this restoration and restoration yet to come, are given in Jer 31:38-40; Isa 60:17-18; 61:4-6; Isa 65:18. Some examples of prophecies on regathering of people from exile are Deut 30:1-4; Isa 11:12.
The midrash on Psalm 147 speculates on the identity of the "outcasts of Israel" in verse 2. Along with people returning from exile, there is speculation about the futures of Korah and Achan.
Additional reasons for praise are God's detailed knowledge of, power over, and care for his creation (vv 4-6, 8-9). He especially cares for people who fear him and put their trust in him (vv 10-11).
In the Septuagint this psalm is divided into two separate psalms, with verses 1-11 in one and verses 12-20 in the second. In the MT the two parts of Psalm 147 fit together well. Verses 13-14, like verses 2-3, praise God for his care for Jerusalem. Verses 15-18, like verses 4-5, 8-9, picture God's power as Creator.
Finally, God is praised in verses 19-20 for revealing precious instruction to Israel. These verses remind Christians of Paul's words in Romans 3:1-2:
"Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of the circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God."
Christians from all nations are thankful to Israel for preserving God's Word and passing it down to us.
No comments:
Post a Comment