Exalt the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion!
God stirs us to praise Him for two reasons: His power and wisdom shown in governing all creation, and His special mercy to His chosen Church, restoring it when it falls, gathering it when scattered. The Psalm likely arose after Jerusalem's rebuilding, when the people saw God's hand return them from captivity.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 147:1-20
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion. How the poet insists upon praise: he cries praise, praise, as if it were the most important of all duties. A peculiar people should render peculiar praise. The city of peace should be the city of praise; and the temple of the covenant God should resound with his glories.
Jerusalem and Zion must praise God for their restored gates and strengthened walls, for their children multiplied and blessed. Safety comes not from bars alone but from God's blessing; peace in the land opens the way for Him to feed His people with the finest wheat.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 147:12-20