Psalms 147:14

KJV

He maketh peace [in] thy borders, [and] filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.

KJV (with Strong's)

He maketh {H7760} peace {H7965} in thy borders {H1366}, and filleth {H7646} thee with the finest {H2459} of the wheat {H2406}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he brings peace within your borders, he gives you your fill of the finest wheat.

Berean Standard Bible

He makes peace at your borders; He fills you with the finest wheat.

American Standard Version

He maketh peace in thy borders; He filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:14 beautifully encapsulates God's comprehensive care for His people, portraying Him as the sovereign provider of both national security and abundant physical sustenance. This verse stands as a testament to divine benevolence, assuring the community of God's active involvement in establishing peace within their borders and generously supplying their needs with the choicest provisions, signifying a state of holistic flourishing and divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise, likely composed during the post-exilic period, celebrating God's power and goodness in rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring His people. The psalm is structured to highlight God's dual nature: His majestic control over the vast cosmos (e.g., sending snow, frost, and hail in [Psalms 147:16-18](/psalms/147-16 "Psalms 147:16-18 - God's Control Over Nature")) and His intimate, particular care for His covenant people, Israel, especially Jerusalem. Verses preceding [Psalms 147:14](/psalms/147-14 "Psalms 147:14 - God's Peace and Provision") speak of God's healing of the brokenhearted ([Psalms 147:3](/psalms/147-3 "Psalms 147:3 - God Heals the Brokenhearted")) and His omniscient understanding of the universe ([Psalms 147:4-5](/psalms/147-4 "Psalms 147:4-5 - God's Omniscience and Greatness")), setting the stage for His specific blessings upon His chosen nation. The psalm culminates in a declaration that God's word and statutes are uniquely given to Israel, distinguishing them from other nations ([Psalms 147:19-20](/psalms/147-19 "Psalms 147:19-20 - God's Word to Israel")), making the blessings of peace and provision in [Psalms 147:14](/psalms/147-14 "Psalms 147:14 - God's Peace and Provision") a direct outcome of this covenant relationship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 147 is widely believed to be the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of Jerusalem and its walls, as described in books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra - The Return from Exile") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah - Rebuilding Jerusalem's Walls"). This period was marked by both immense joy and significant challenges, including external threats from surrounding peoples and internal struggles. The "borders" mentioned in [Psalms 147:14](/psalms/147-14 "Psalms 147:14 - God's Peace and Provision") would have referred to the newly re-established boundaries of Judah, which were vulnerable. Peace and abundant harvest were not just abstract concepts but vital necessities for the survival and flourishing of the community. In an agrarian society, the "finest of the wheat" represented the pinnacle of agricultural blessing, directly correlating with prosperity, health, and a stable economy. The cultural understanding of "peace" (shalom) extended far beyond the absence of conflict to encompass holistic well-being, prosperity, and completeness, making God's provision of shalom a profound blessing.

* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 147:14](/psalms/147-14 "Psalms 147:14 - God's Peace and Provision") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Protection and Security**. The phrase "He maketh peace in thy borders" signifies God's active and direct intervention in safeguarding the nation from external threats and ensuring internal stability. This is not merely a passive absence of war but an active state of flourishing and well-being, echoing God's covenant promises of security for His people ([Leviticus 26:6](/leviticus/26-6 "Leviticus 26:6 - God's Promise of Peace")). Secondly, it highlights **Abundant Provision**. "And filleth thee with the finest of the wheat" vividly illustrates God's generous supply of physical necessities. The "finest of the wheat" implies not just basic sustenance but provision of superior quality and in great abundance, indicating a time of prosperity and blessing. This theme resonates with God's faithfulness to provide for His children, as seen throughout Scripture, from the manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16:35](/exodus/16-35 "Exodus 16:35 - Manna in the Wilderness")) to the promise that He will supply all needs ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")). Lastly, the verse emphasizes **God's Personal and Covenantal Care for His People**. The direct address "thy borders" and "thee" highlights God's particular attention to His covenant people, assuring them of His benevolent sovereignty over their lives and their land. This echoes the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering covenant loyalty and His desire for His people to thrive under His watchful eye, a theme central to the entire [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From the root _shâlam_, meaning to be complete or sound. _Shâlôwm_ encompasses much more than merely the absence of conflict. It denotes wholeness, completeness, well-being, health, prosperity, security, and harmony. When God "makes peace" in the borders, it implies establishing a comprehensive state of flourishing and safety, both internally and externally, for the nation.
* **borders (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** Properly, a cord (as twisted), by implication a boundary; by extension the territory enclosed. This word refers to the geographical boundaries or limits of the land. In the context of [Psalms 147:14](/psalms/147-14 "Psalms 147:14 - God's Peace and Provision"), it symbolizes national security and protection from invading forces, indicating divine guardianship over the nation's integrity and its physical domain.
* **filleth (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively). This word conveys the idea of abundant supply, not just enough to survive, but enough to be completely satisfied, even to the point of being full or having plenty. It underscores the generosity and completeness of God's provision.
* **finest (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** From an unused root meaning to be fat; fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part. This term implies the best quality, the most nourishing, and the most desirable part of something. Applied to wheat, it signifies not merely basic sustenance but a provision of superior quality and richness, indicative of a time of great prosperity and divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He maketh peace in thy borders":** This clause emphasizes God's active role as the orchestrator of security and stability. The word "maketh" (H7760, _sûwm_) implies an intentional act of establishing or appointing. The "peace" (H7965, _shâlôwm_) is comprehensive, extending beyond mere cessation of hostilities to include overall well-being, prosperity, and internal harmony within the nation's geographical "borders" (H1366, _gᵉbûwl_). It speaks to divine protection against external threats and the establishment of a secure environment conducive to flourishing.
* **"and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat":** This second clause shifts focus to God's abundant provision of physical sustenance. The verb "filleth" (H7646, _sâbaʻ_) conveys the idea of satisfying completely, not just providing enough, but providing to overflowing. The phrase "finest of the wheat" (H2459, _cheleb_ of H2406, _chiṭṭâh_) signifies the choicest, richest, and most nourishing grain. This is a powerful image of God's generous hand, ensuring not just survival but a life of plenty and prosperity for His people, symbolizing a time of agricultural bounty and overall economic blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident, with the two clauses ("He maketh peace in thy borders" and "and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat") presenting complementary aspects of God's care—security and provision—which together form a holistic picture of blessing. **Metonymy** is present in "borders" standing for the entire nation and its security, and "finest of the wheat" representing all forms of abundant provision and prosperity. The phrase "finest of the wheat" also functions as **Symbolism**, where a specific, high-quality food item symbolizes general abundance, richness, and divine favor. The entire verse is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (making peace, filling) to God, making His care tangible and relatable to the human experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 147:14 profoundly illustrates God's covenant faithfulness and His comprehensive care for His people. It reveals a God who is not distant but actively involved in the temporal and physical well-being of His chosen ones. The peace He establishes is not merely political but holistic, encompassing all aspects of national and individual flourishing. Similarly, His provision extends beyond basic needs to lavish abundance, signifying His desire for His people to thrive under His benevolent rule. This verse underscores the deep theological truth that God's power over creation is intrinsically linked to His intimate care for His covenant community, demonstrating that His sovereignty is always exercised for the good of those He loves.

* [Leviticus 26:5-6](/leviticus/26-5 "Blessings of Obedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:8](/deuteronomy/28-8 "Blessings in Storehouses")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Perfect Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 147:14 serves as a timeless anchor of hope and a profound reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and comprehensive care. While its immediate context was ancient Israel, the principles of God's active involvement in our security and sustenance remain eternally true. We are invited to trust in a God who actively works to bring peace—a holistic _shalom_—into our lives, extending beyond physical safety to spiritual and emotional well-being, even amidst personal or global turmoil. Just as He abundantly provided for Israel with the "finest of the wheat," He promises to meet our needs, encouraging us to look to Him as our ultimate Provider for all necessities, both material and spiritual. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart of profound gratitude, recognizing His active role in our security and sustenance, and to respond with worship and praise for His constant, benevolent care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need God to "make peace" (shalom) today?**
* **How does the promise of God filling you "with the finest of the wheat" challenge your anxieties about provision and future needs?**
* **How can recognizing God's comprehensive care (peace and provision) deepen your trust and gratitude towards Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live out your trust in God's provision and security in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does "peace in thy borders" only refer to the absence of war?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word for "peace" is _shalom_ (H7965), which is far richer than just the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and security. When God makes _shalom_ in the borders, it implies establishing comprehensive flourishing and safety for the nation, both internally and externally, including economic stability, social harmony, and spiritual health, not just military peace. It speaks to a state of complete well-being within the national boundaries, as seen in other promises of blessing for obedience in [Leviticus 26:6](/leviticus/26-6 "God's Promise of Peace").

**What does "finest of the wheat" symbolize for us today?**

Answer: In an ancient agrarian society, "finest of the wheat" (H2459, _cheleb_ of H2406, _chiṭṭâh_) represented the best quality and most abundant harvest, signifying prosperity and divine favor. For us today, it symbolizes God's generous and qualitative provision for our lives. It means He doesn't just provide the bare minimum for survival, but He desires to bless us with abundance and the best of what we need for flourishing—whether it's spiritual nourishment, emotional healing, wisdom for decisions, or material resources. It reminds us that God's provision is not meager but overflowing, encouraging us to trust Him as our ultimate Provider for all things, as promised in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Supplies All Needs").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 147:14 speaks directly to God's care for Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of true peace, not merely the cessation of conflict, but the holistic _shalom_ that reconciles humanity to God and to one another. Christ is our ultimate "peace in our borders," breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")) and establishing a spiritual kingdom where true security and wholeness are found in Him. Furthermore, Jesus declares Himself to be the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), the ultimate "finest of the wheat" that satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul. He provides spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life, far surpassing any physical provision. Through His sacrifice, He ensures not only our spiritual sustenance but also promises to meet all our needs according to His glorious riches ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Supplies All Needs")), making Him the complete fulfillment of God's promise of peace and abundant provision for all who believe. In Christ, the borders of our spiritual lives are secured, and our souls are filled with the finest, most satisfying spiritual sustenance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:17

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

Isaiah 60:18

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

Psalms 81:16

He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

Psalms 29:11

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Psalms 132:15

I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

Deuteronomy 32:14

Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

Zechariah 9:8

And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.