Psalms 147:11

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

The LORD {H3068} taketh pleasure {H7521} in them that fear {H3373} him, in those that hope {H3176} in his mercy {H2617}.

ADONAI takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who wait for his grace.

The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.

Jehovah taketh pleasure in them that fear him, In those that hope in his lovingkindness.

Psalm 147:11 reveals the heart of God's delight, contrasting His true pleasure with human estimations of strength and power. This verse is nestled within a psalm of praise that extols the LORD's greatness in both His creation and His merciful care for His people, particularly Israel.

Context

Psalm 147 is a powerful hymn celebrating God's majesty and His intimate involvement in the world. The preceding verse, Psalm 147:10, states, "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man." This sets up a crucial contrast, emphasizing that God's favor is not earned through physical might, military power, or human achievement. Instead, verse 11 directs our attention to the spiritual qualities that truly capture His attention and bring Him joy.

Key Themes

  • God's True Pleasure: This verse highlights what truly pleases the Almighty. It's not outward displays of power or self-sufficiency, but the internal disposition of the heart. God seeks a relationship built on awe and trust.
  • The Fear of the LORD: The phrase "them that fear him" signifies a reverent awe and profound respect for God's majesty, power, and holiness. It is not a cowering terror, but a humble recognition of His supreme authority and a desire to obey His will. This fear is often linked to the beginning of true wisdom.
  • Hope in His Mercy: Complementing the fear of the LORD is hope in His mercy. This speaks to a deep, unwavering trust in God's lovingkindness and compassion (`hesed` in Hebrew). It acknowledges human weakness and dependence, placing full reliance on God's unfailing grace and willingness to bless and forgive. Those who hope in His mercy look to God's steadfast love as their ultimate source of help and salvation, as seen in Psalm 33:18.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fear" here is yare' (יָרֵא), which encompasses both reverence and respectful obedience, rather than just dread. The term for "hope" is yachal (יָחַל), meaning to wait, to be patient, or to have a confident expectation. It denotes an active, enduring trust. Most significantly, "mercy" is derived from the rich Hebrew word hesed (חֶסֶד), which conveys steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and unfailing grace. It's God's committed, benevolent love that endures despite human failings, and it is in this divine `hesed` that the faithful place their hope.

Practical Application

Psalm 147:11 offers profound practical guidance for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a heart that prioritizes spiritual reverence and humble dependence on God. Instead of striving for worldly accolades, power, or self-reliance, we are encouraged to nurture a genuine awe of God's character and to place our unwavering trust in His compassionate nature. This verse reminds us that true divine favor and pleasure are found not in what we can achieve, but in our posture of faith, seeking His face and relying on His abundant mercy. This perspective aligns with the New Testament emphasis on salvation by grace through faith.

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.

  • Psalms 33:18

    Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

  • Malachi 3:16

    Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

  • Malachi 3:17

    And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

  • Zephaniah 3:17

    The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

  • Psalms 149:4

    For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

  • Psalms 33:22

    Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

  • Isaiah 62:4

    Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

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