Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
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 ye the Lord, or Hallelujah: The flow of the broad river of the Book of Psalms ends in a cataract of praise. The present Psalm begins and ends with Hallelujah. Jehovah and happy praise should ever be associated in the mind of a believer. Jove was dreaded, but Jehovah is beloved.
Here, I. The duty of praise is recommended to us. It is not without reason that we are thus called to it again and again: Praise you the Lord (Psa 147:1), and again (Psa 147:7), Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving, sing praise upon the harp to our God (let all our praises be directed to him and centre in him), for it is good...
Commenting on Psalm 147:1-11