Psalms 147:4

He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by [their] names.

He telleth {H4487} the number {H4557} of the stars {H3556}; he calleth {H7121} them all by their names {H8034}.

He determines how many stars there are and calls them all by name.

He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.

He counteth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names.

Psalm 147:4 is a powerful declaration of God's immense power, infinite knowledge, and meticulous attention to detail within His vast creation. It highlights the divine order and majesty that governs the universe, contrasting the seemingly countless and chaotic nature of the stars with God's absolute control and intimate familiarity.

Context

Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise, likely composed after the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem. It celebrates God's goodness in rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering scattered Israel (Psalm 147:2), while also extolling His power over nature. The psalm weaves together themes of God's universal sovereignty and His particular care for His people. Verse 4 fits perfectly within this dual emphasis, showcasing a God who is both transcendent and intimately involved.

Key Themes

  • God's Omniscience and Omnipotence: The verse emphasizes God's boundless knowledge and power. To "tell the number of the stars" implies an exact, precise count, which is beyond human comprehension. This demonstrates His absolute mastery over creation.
  • Divine Order and Control: Unlike a chaotic universe, God has established order. His ability to "call them all by their names" signifies not just recognition but also authority and ownership. Each star, no matter how distant or small, is known and governed by Him.
  • God's Intimate and Personal Care: If God knows and names every single star, an astronomical number beyond human reckoning, how much more does He know and care for humanity, especially those made in His image? This verse lays a foundation for understanding God's profound personal attention to each individual.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "telleth the number" (מִסְפָּר - mispar) conveys the idea of an exact count or enumeration, not just an approximation. The phrase "calleth them all by their names" (קֹרֵא לָהֶם בְּשֵׁמוֹת - kore lahem b'shemot) is particularly significant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, naming something signified authority, ownership, and intimate knowledge. God's act of naming implies His sovereign power over the celestial bodies; they exist and are sustained by His command. This concept is beautifully echoed in Isaiah 40:26, which also speaks of God bringing out the starry host by number and calling them by name.

Practical Application

For believers, Psalm 147:4 offers immense comfort and inspiration. If the Creator of the universe, who meticulously knows and names every star, is so vast and powerful, then His concern for our individual lives is even more profound. This verse encourages us to trust in God's wisdom and sovereign plan, knowing that nothing in our lives is unknown or overlooked by Him. It invites a response of worship and awe, recognizing the incredible majesty of our God who is both infinitely distant in His cosmic power and intimately near in His personal care.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 40:26

    Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [things], that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that [he is] strong in power; not one faileth.

  • Psalms 148:3

    Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

  • Psalms 8:3

    ¶ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

  • Genesis 15:5

    And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

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