Psalm 147

The LORD Builds Jerusalem

1Praise the LORD!
For it is good to make music to our God;
for praise is pleasant and fitting. 2The LORD builds Jerusalem
and gathers the outcasts of Israel. 3God heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds. 4God counts the number of the stars
and calls them all by name. 5Great is our Lord and abundant in power;
God’s understanding is beyond measure. 6The LORD lifts up the humble
and brings the wicked down to the ground.

God Gives Food to the Animals

7Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God with the lyre. 8God covers the heavens with clouds,
prepares rain for the earth,
and makes grass grow on the hills. 9God gives the animals their food,
and the young ravens when they cry. 10God does not delight in the strength of the horse
or take pleasure in the legs of a warrior. 11The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear God,
in those who hope in God’s steadfast love.

God Sends the Word to the Earth

12Praise the LORD, Jerusalem!
Praise your God, Zion! 13For God strengthens the bars of your gates
and blesses your children within you. 14God grants peace within your borders
and satisfies you with the finest wheat. 15God sends the command to the earth;
God’s word runs swiftly. 16God gives snow like wool
and scatters frost like ashes. 17God casts down ice like crumbs;
who can stand before God’s cold? 18God sends the word and melts them;
God makes the wind blow, and the waters flow.

God Declares the Word to Jacob

19God declares the word to Jacob,
God’s statutes and judgments to Israel. 20God has not dealt this way with any other nation;
as for the judgments, they have not known them.
Praise the LORD!