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Commentary on Psalms 147 verses 12–20
Jerusalem, and Zion, the holy city, the holy hill, are here called upon to praise God, Psa 147:12. For where should praise be offered up to God but where his altar is? Where may we expect that glory should be given to him but in the beauty of holiness? Let the inhabitants of Jerusalem praise the Lord in their own houses; let the priests and Levites, who attend in Zion, the city of their solemnities, in a special manner praise the Lord. They have more cause to do it than others, and they lie under greater obligations to do it than others; for it is their business, it is their profession. "Praise thy God, O Zion! he is thine, and therefore thou art bound to praise him; his being thine includes all happiness, so that thou canst never want matter for praise." Jerusalem and Zion must praise God,
I. For the prosperity and flourishing state of their civil interests, Psa 147:13, Psa 147:14. 1. For their common safety. They had gates, and kept their gates barred in times of danger; but that would not have been an effectual security to them if God had not strengthened the bars of their gates and fortified their fortifications. The most probable means we can devise for our own preservation will not answer the end, unless God give his blessing with them; we must therefore in the careful and diligent use of those means, depend upon him for that blessing, and attribute the undisturbed repose of our land more to the wall of fire than to the wall of water round about us, Zac 2:5. 2. For the increase of their people. This strengthens the bars of the gates as much as any thing: He hath blessed thy children within thee, with that first and great blessing, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the land. It is a comfort to parents to see their children blessed of the Lord (Isa 61:9), and a comfort to the generation that is going off to see the rising generation numerous and hopeful, for which blessing God must be blessed. 3. For the public tranquillity, that they were delivered from the terrors and desolations of war: He makes peace in thy borders, by putting an end to the wars that were, and preventing the wars that were threatened and feared. He makes peace within thy borders, that is, in all parts of the country, by composing differences among neighbours, that there may be no intestine broils and animosities, and upon thy borders, that they may not be attacked by invasions from abroad. If there be trouble any where, it is in the borders, the marches of a country; the frontier-towns lie most exposed, so that, if there be peace in the borders, there is a universal peace, a mercy we can never be sufficiently thankful for. 4. For great plenty, the common effect of peace: He filleth thee with the finest of the wheat - wheat, the most valuable grain, the fat, the finest of that, and a fulness thereof. What would they more? Canaan abounded with the best wheat (Deu 32:14) and exported it to the countries abroad, as appears, Eze 27:17. The land of Israel was not enriched with precious stones nor spices, but with the finest of the wheat, with bread, which strengthens man's heart. This made it the glory of all lands, and for this God was praised in Zion.
II. For the wonderful instances of his power in the weather, particularly the winter-weather. He that protects Zion and Jerusalem is that God of power from whom all the powers of nature are derived and on whom they depend, and who produces all the changes of the seasons, which, if they were not common, would astonish us.
1.In general, whatever alterations there are in this lower world (and it is that world that is subject to continual changes) they are produced by the will, and power, and providence of God (Psa 147:15): He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth, as one that has an incontestable authority to give orders, and innumerable attendants ready to carry his orders and put them in execution. As the world was at first made, so it is still upheld and governed, by a word of almighty power. God speaks and it is done, for all are his servants. That word takes effect, not only surely, but speedily. His word runneth very swiftly, for nothing can oppose or retard it. As the lightning, which passes through the air in an instant, such is the word of God's providence, and such the word of his grace, when it is sent forth with commission, Luk 17:24. Angels, who carry his word and fulfil it, fly swiftly, Dan 9:21.
2.In particular, frosts and thaws are both of them wonderful changes, and in both we must acknowledge the word of his power.
(1.)Frosts are from God. With him are the treasures of the snow and the hail (Job 38:22, Job 38:23), and out of these treasures he draws as he pleases. [1.] He giveth snow like wool. It is compared to wool for its whiteness (Isa 1:18), and its softness; it falls silently, and makes no more noise than the fall of a lock of wool; it covers the earth, and keeps it warm like a fleece of wool, and so promotes its fruitfulness. See how God can work by contraries, and bring meat out of the eater, can warm the earth with cold snow. [2.] He scatters the hoar-frost, which is dew congealed, as the snow and hail are rain congealed. This looks like ashes scattered upon the grass, and is sometimes prejudicial to the products of the earth and blasts them as if it were hot ashes, Psa 78:47. [3.] He casts forth his ice like morsels, which may be understood either of large hail-stones, which are as ice in the air, or of the ice which covers the face of the waters, and when it is broken, though naturally it was as drops of drink, it is as morsels of meat, or crusts of bread. [4.] When we see the frost, and snow, and ice, we feel it in the air: Who can stand before his cold? The beasts cannot; they retire into dens (Job 37:8); they are easily conquered then, Sa2 23:20. Men cannot, but are forced to protect themselves by fires, or furs, or both, and all little enough where and when the cold is in extremity. We see not the causes when we feel the effects; and therefore we must call it his cold; it is of his sending, and therefore we must bear it patiently, and be thankful for warm houses, and clothes, and beds, to relieve us against the rigour of the season, and must give him the glory of his wisdom and sovereignty, his power and faithfulness, which shall not cease any more than summer, Gen 8:22. And let us also infer from it, If we cannot stand before the cold of his frosts, how can we stand before the heat of his wrath?
(2.)Thaws are from God. When he pleases (Psa 147:18) he sends out his word and melts them; the frost, the snow, the ice, are all dissolved quickly, in order to which he causes the wind, the south wind, to blow, and the waters, which were frozen, flow again as they did before. We are soon sensible of the change, but we see not the causes of it, but must resolve it into the will of the First Cause. And in it we must take notice not only of the power of God, that he can so suddenly, so insensibly, make such a great and universal alteration in the temper of the air and the face of the earth (what cannot he do that does this every winter, perhaps often every winter?) but also of the goodness of God. Hard weather does not always continue; it would be sad if it should. He does not contend for ever, but renews the face of the earth. As he remembered Noah, and released him (Gen 8:1), so he remembers the earth, and his covenant with the earth, Sol 2:11, Sol 2:12. This thawing word may represent the gospel of Christ, and this thawing wind the Spirit of Christ (for the Spirit is compared to the wind, Joh 3:8); both are sent for the melting of frozen souls. Converting grace, like the thaw, softens the heart that was hard, moistens it, and melts it into tears of repentance; it warms good affections, and makes them to flow, which, before, were chilled and stopped up. The change which the thaw makes is universal and yet gradual; it is very evident, and yet how it is done is unaccountable: such is the change wrought in the conversion of a soul, when God's word and Spirit are sent to melt it and restore it to itself.
III. For his distinguishing favour to Israel, in giving them his word and ordinances, a much more valuable blessing than their peace and plenty (Psa 147:14), as much as the soul is more excellent than the body. Jacob and Israel had God's statutes and judgments among them. They were under his peculiar government; the municipal laws of their nation were of his framing and enacting, and their constitution was a theocracy. They had the benefit of divine revelation; the great things of God's law were written to them. They had a priesthood of divine institution for all things pertaining to God, and prophets for all extraordinary occasions. No people besides went upon sure grounds in their religion. Now this was, 1. A preventing mercy. They did not find out God's statutes and judgments of themselves, but God showed his word unto Jacob, and by that word he made known to them his statutes and judgments. It is a great mercy to any people to have the word of God among them; for faith comes by hearing and reading that word, that faith without which it is impossible to please God. 2. A distinguishing mercy, and upon that account the more obliging: "He hath not dealt so with every nation, not with any nation; and, as for his judgments, they have not known them, nor are likely to know them till the Messiah shall come and take down the partition-wall between Jew and Gentile, that the gospel may be preached to every creature." Other nations had plenty of outward good things; some nations were very rich, others had pompous powerful princes and polite literature, but none were blessed with God's statutes and judgments as Israel were. Let Israel therefore praise the Lord in the observance of these statutes. Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not to the world! Even so, Father, because it seemed good in thy eyes.
“He that sends his word on earth, until his word runs swiftly.” He that sends is evidently distinct from him that is sent. You have then, here, both the Sender, the almighty God, and also the Word that was sent, who having many names is called by the holy oracles now Wisdom, now Word, now God, and also Lord. And as you know how in a very short time the word of his teaching has filled the whole world, I am sure you will wonder at the fulfillment of the prophecy, “Till his word runs swiftly.”
He says, "He has made strong the bars of your gates" [Psalm 147:13]. The making bars strong is not for open gates, but shut ones, wherefore most manuscripts read, "He has made strong the bolts of your gates." Observe, beloved. He bids Jerusalem when closed in to praise the Lord. We praise in unison now, we praise now; but it is amid offenses. Many where we wish not, enter in: many though we wish it not, go out: therefore offenses are frequent. "And because iniquity has abounded," says the Truth, "the love of many waxes cold:" [Matthew 24:12] because men come in whom we cannot discern, because men go out whom we cannot retain. Wherefore is this? Because not yet is there perfection, not yet is there the bliss that shall be. Wherefore is this? Because as yet it is the threshing-floor, not yet the garner. What therefore will be then, save no fear that anything of this kind will happen? He said not only, He has set, but, "He has made strong the bars of your gates." Let none go out, let none come in. Let none go out, we rejoice: let none come in, we fear. Nay, fear not this: when you have entered it will be said: only be thou in the number of virgins, who carried their oil with them....
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SUMMARY
Psalms 147:13 stands as a profound declaration of God's sovereign care and benevolent provision for His people, particularly exemplified through the restoration of Jerusalem. The verse highlights two primary aspects of divine favor: the establishment of impenetrable security through the strengthening of city defenses and the abundant blessing bestowed upon the inhabitants, ensuring their flourishing and the continuity of future generations. It encapsulates a vital theological truth about God's active involvement in the physical protection and spiritual prosperity of those He has chosen and redeemed, celebrating His faithfulness and omnipotence.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 147 is a vibrant hymn of praise and thanksgiving, widely understood to have been composed in the post-exilic period, celebrating God's restorative work in Jerusalem and the return of its inhabitants. The psalm opens with a general call to praise God for His incomparable greatness and goodness, evident in both His majestic creation and His compassionate care for the afflicted (e.g., Psalm 147:1-6). It then transitions to focus specifically on God's particular care for Israel, emphasizing His role in rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering its dispersed people (e.g., Psalm 147:2). Verse 13, therefore, serves as a concrete manifestation of this restorative work, building upon earlier themes of healing the brokenhearted and binding up their wounds (e.g., Psalm 147:3). The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on God's omnipotent control over nature (e.g., Psalm 147:15-18) and His unique revelation of His word and statutes to Israel (e.g., Psalm 147:19-20), reinforcing the idea that His protection and provision are both universal in scope and particular in application to His covenant people.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop for Psalm 147 is widely accepted to be the period following the Babylonian exile, specifically the significant efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and resettle its people under the leadership of figures like Nehemiah and Ezra. After decades of desolation, destruction, and foreign domination, the return to Jerusalem and the arduous reconstruction of its defenses were monumental undertakings, fraught with external opposition and internal challenges. In ancient Near Eastern culture, city gates were far more than mere points of entry; they were vital centers of civic life, commerce, legal proceedings, and, most importantly, defense. The strength and integrity of a city's gates symbolized its security, sovereignty, and the well-being of its inhabitants. The "bars of thy gates" refer to the heavy wooden or metal beams used to secure these massive gates from within, making them impregnable to invaders. Thus, God's strengthening of these bars would have been understood as a direct, miraculous divine intervention, ensuring the physical safety and stability of the city and its inhabitants. The blessing of "children within thee" speaks directly to the re-establishment of family life, population growth, and the restoration of a thriving, generational community, which was absolutely essential for the long-term survival and prosperity of the nation after the trauma and demographic loss of exile.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 147 and the broader Psalter, articulating God's comprehensive care for His people. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Divine Protection and Security. God is portrayed not merely as a distant deity but as an active, immanent guardian, fortifying the physical defenses of His people. This resonates with other psalms that describe God as a fortress and refuge, such as Psalm 46:1. Secondly, the verse highlights Divine Provision and Blessing. God's blessing extends beyond mere physical safety to encompass the flourishing of families and the prosperity of the community, reflecting the foundational covenant promises of fruitfulness and well-being found in passages like Deuteronomy 28:4. This demonstrates God's holistic care, addressing both external threats and internal vitality. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of God's Covenant Faithfulness. The specific focus on Jerusalem and the children of Israel testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His chosen nation, fulfilling His promises of restoration and demonstrating His unique, intimate relationship with them, a theme further emphasized by His exclusive revelation of His word to Israel in Psalm 147:19-20).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 147:13 employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message of divine care and provision. Imagery is prominently featured, with the vivid picture of "strengthened the bars of thy gates" immediately evoking a sense of impregnable security and divine protection. This concrete image of a fortified city gate, a crucial element of ancient defense, makes God's protective power tangible and relatable to the original audience. The subsequent phrase, "he hath blessed thy children within thee," also utilizes imagery to paint a contrasting yet complementary picture of internal flourishing, population growth, and generational prosperity, directly countering the desolation and loss experienced during the exile. There is an implicit Personification of Jerusalem, addressed directly as "thy gates" and "thy children," which gives the city a living quality, capable of receiving God's actions and blessings. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a clear form of Synthetic Parallelism, where the second line expands upon and completes the thought of the first. The strengthening of gates (external security) is directly complemented by the blessing of children (internal prosperity), illustrating the comprehensive and holistic nature of God's provision. The repetition of "He hath" at the beginning of each clause also serves as an Anaphora, emphasizing the singular divine source of both protection and blessing.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 147:13 beautifully encapsulates the dual nature of God's covenant faithfulness: His unwavering commitment to protecting His people from external threats and His profound desire to see them flourish internally. This verse affirms God's active, personal, and meticulous involvement in the affairs of humanity, particularly in the life of His chosen community. It teaches us that divine security is not merely the absence of danger but the active fortification by God Himself, and divine blessing extends to the very core of our being and our future generations. This holistic care demonstrates God's sovereignty over both circumstances and life itself, providing both a fortress and fruitfulness. It reminds us that our ultimate security and prosperity are rooted in His unchanging character and His gracious disposition towards those who are His, fostering a deep trust in His provision.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 147:13 offers profound comfort and a compelling call to worship for believers today. In a world often characterized by instability, fear, and uncertainty, this verse powerfully reassures us that God remains our ultimate protector and faithful provider. Just as He sovereignly fortified Jerusalem's gates against physical adversaries, He actively secures our lives, not necessarily from all hardship or suffering, but from ultimate defeat and spiritual ruin. His blessing extends to our families, our spiritual children, and the fruit of our labor, ensuring that His purposes endure through generations. This should inspire us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in His unfailing care, to pray earnestly for the well-being and spiritual growth of the next generation, and to continually praise Him for His consistent faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. It encourages us to recognize God's hand in both the obvious and subtle ways He provides for our security and prosperity, fostering a heart of profound gratitude and humble dependence upon Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "strengthened the bars of thy gates" imply that God will always protect us from physical harm?
Answer: While Psalms 147:13 speaks of God's physical protection for Jerusalem in a specific historical context, it's crucial to interpret this through a broader biblical lens. The verse certainly affirms God's power and willingness to defend His people, as seen throughout Israel's history (e.g., 2 Kings 19:35). However, it does not guarantee absolute immunity from physical harm or suffering for individual believers in all circumstances. The New Testament teaches that believers may indeed face persecution and tribulation for their faith (e.g., John 16:33 or 2 Timothy 3:12). Rather, the "strengthening of gates" can be understood metaphorically as God's spiritual protection, His preservation of His church (the New Jerusalem), and His ultimate control over all circumstances, ensuring that no weapon formed against His ultimate redemptive purposes will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Our ultimate and eternal security is found in Christ, who guards our souls and preserves us for His heavenly kingdom (e.g., 1 Peter 1:5).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 147:13, with its dual emphasis on divine security and abundant blessing, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist celebrated God's physical protection of Jerusalem and the flourishing of its children, Christ embodies the spiritual reality of these promises for all believers. He is the true "gate" (as declared in John 10:9) through whom we enter into salvation and find ultimate security. In Him, the "bars" of our spiritual gates are eternally strengthened, not against earthly armies, but against the formidable powers of sin, death, and the devil. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus has utterly conquered these ultimate enemies, providing an unassailable spiritual fortress for all who believe (as affirmed in Colossians 2:15). Furthermore, the blessing upon "thy children" is fully and gloriously realized in Christ. As the "firstborn among many brothers" (as described in Romans 8:29), Jesus makes us children of God by adoption (a truth beautifully articulated in Galatians 4:5). Through our union with Him, we receive "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (as declared in Ephesians 1:3), including the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live fruitful lives that bear the fruit of righteousness (e.g., Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, Jesus is not only our impregnable defense and the guarantor of our eternal security but also the inexhaustible source of eternal life and spiritual prosperity, ensuring that His spiritual family flourishes eternally within the New Jerusalem (as depicted in Revelation 21:2).