Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 (cf. 3a)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

Psalm 147 is a hymn that celebrates in particular the restoration of the exiles (v. 2). The reference to “the bars of your gates” implies a date after the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah. As noted below, many phrases in Psalm 147 are echoed elsewhere, especially in Isaiah 40–66, which addresses exilic and postexilic Judah. Its threefold structure is established by the three calls to praise in verses 1, 7, 12. It also contains three themes: the restoration of Jerusalem in the first and third sections (vv. 2–3, 12–14), Yahweh’s providence over creation in all three sections (vv. 4–5, 8–9, 15–18), and three contrasts of whom Yahweh favors (vv. 6, 10–11, 19–20). While each verse, section, and topic is profound in its own right, the total meaning that results from their combination is even more profound.

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