Psalm 147:1

Psalm 147:1

Another hymn of praise to the Lord

 We do not know the author of this Psalm, but some relate it to a Levite associated with the choirs who sang regularly in the Temple Courts and ensured that pilgrims would be surrounded by songs of praise on each and every visit. Some scholars attribute the contents of this song to the time when Nehemiah and Ezra dedicated the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem, following the captivity of the Jews in Babylon. (Nehemiah 12:27-43.) A glorious occasion indeed. Whatever the background story; this Psalm is full of praise to our God and extols His deeds and His glory not just over Israel but over the whole earth. 

 

V1        Another Psalm that encourages us to “Praise the Lord.” As I write it is a Sunday morning in late 2025 and I will shortly be joining with my brothers and sisters at our local church fellowship “Crossways” where we will lift our hands and our voices to praise the Lord. Whatever may have happened in previous days, we will always praise Him. However we may be feeling, we will always praise Him. Why? Because, as the psalmist tells us, it is good to sing praises to our God. It is an enjoyable and uplifting experience, but it is also fitting. Whenever we come together in the presence of the Lord, we are inevitably reminded of who He is and what He has done for us; if this is not cause for celebration, I don’t know what is! This immense and glorious Being, the Maker of heaven and earth, is the most powerful and most authoritative Being in the whole universe. He loves His world and the creatures He has brought into it, He watches over us day and night and provides for our every need, He would literally move heaven and earth for us and has even taken the trouble to visit our planet and to sacrifice His life for us. His love is immeasurable and His Name is vastly superior to all other names. Instead of cowering in His presence, we are invited to draw near and to take up the status of children or “sons of God.” If this is all correct, then we must obey the injunction to “Praise the Lord” when we meet together later today. Hallelujah!

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