He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.
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
He telleth the number of the stars. None but he can count the mighty host, but as he made them and sustains them he can number them. To Jehovah stars are as mere coins, which the merchant tells as he puts them into his bag. He calleth them all by their names. He has an intimate acquaintance with each separate orb, so as to know its name or character.
Praise is our bounden duty and our highest pleasure, for it is good in itself and good for us; it answers why we were made. The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem from ruins and gathers the scattered exiles, proving Himself worthy of our most exalted song.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 147:1-11