The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
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
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him in those that hope in his mercy. While the bodily powers give no content to God, spiritual qualities are his delight. He cares most for those emotions which centre in himself: the fear which he approves is fear of him, and the hope which he accepts is hope in his mercy.
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