Psalms 147:19

KJV

He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

He sheweth {H5046} his word {H1697}{H1697} unto Jacob {H3290}, his statutes {H2706} and his judgments {H4941} unto Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He reveals his words to Ya'akov, his laws and rulings to Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel.

American Standard Version

He showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:19 profoundly celebrates God's unique and exclusive relationship with the nation of Israel, highlighting His unparalleled act of revealing His divine will, laws, and moral standards to them alone. This verse underscores the immense privilege bestowed upon Jacob and Israel, distinguishing them from all other nations by entrusting them with His sacred word, statutes, and judgments, which served as the foundational blueprint for their covenant identity, guiding their communal life, worship, and individual conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, seamlessly weaving together themes of God's omnipotence over creation and His intimate, redemptive care for His chosen people. The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord for His goodness and beauty, quickly transitioning to His restorative power in rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering the dispersed of Israel ([Psalm 147:2-3](/psalms/147-2-3 "Psalm 147:2-3 - God Restores Jerusalem and Heals the Brokenhearted")). It then expands to God's cosmic authority, noting His meticulous knowledge of the stars ([Psalm 147:4](/psalms/147-4 "Psalm 147:4 - God Knows the Number of the Stars")) and His providential control over nature, sending rain, snow, and frost ([Psalm 147:8](/psalms/147-8 "Psalm 147:8 - God Provides Rain for the Earth"), [Psalm 147:16-18](/psalms/147-16-18 "Psalm 147:16-18 - God Sends Snow and Frost")). Verse 19 marks a significant pivot, moving from God's general providence over the natural world and His physical care for Jerusalem to His specific, spiritual revelation to Israel. This transition emphasizes that while God's power is universal, His self-disclosure through His word is a particular act of grace toward His covenant people, setting them apart as recipients of divine truth. The verse thus serves as a theological climax, culminating the psalm's celebration of God's unique relationship with Israel by declaring their singular privilege in receiving His law, a theme powerfully reinforced in the concluding verse, [Psalm 147:20](/psalms/147-20 "Psalm 147:20 - God's Unique Revelation to Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely originates from a post-exilic period, reflecting the profound joy and gratitude of the Jewish people for their return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the city and temple. In this context, the emphasis on God's word and law would have been profoundly significant. After the trauma of exile, adherence to the Mosaic Law became even more central to Jewish identity and national restoration, serving as a bulwark against assimilation and a reminder of their unique covenant. The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19-24 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"), established Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, fundamentally setting them apart from the polytheistic nations surrounding them. Unlike other nations who relied on human wisdom, tribal customs, or pagan deities, Israel possessed a divine constitution—a comprehensive body of "statutes and judgments" that governed every aspect of their life, from worship and morality to civil law and social justice. This unique revelation was the bedrock of their national distinctiveness and their claim as God's chosen people, as powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 4:7-8](/deuteronomy/4-7-8 "Deuteronomy 4:7-8 - The Uniqueness of Israel's Laws and God's Nearness").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. The explicit declaration that God "sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel" underscores the exclusive nature of this divine communication. It highlights Israel's unparalleled privilege as the recipient of God's direct, revealed will, distinguishing them from all other nations who did not possess such a clear and comprehensive divine law. This theme of **election** and special relationship is foundational to Israel's identity, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People Chosen by God"). The terms "word," "statutes," and "judgments" collectively represent the comprehensive body of divine law given to Israel. This law was not merely a set of rules but a gracious gift, providing wisdom, guidance for righteous living, and the framework for a just society. It reflected God's holy character and His desire for humanity to live in accordance with His perfect will, serving as a beacon of truth in a world shrouded in spiritual darkness. The Psalmist's deep reverence for God's law is a pervasive theme throughout the Psalms, especially in [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Longest Psalm Praising God's Law"). The act of "showing" His word is presented as an act of divine kindness and faithfulness. It demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, providing His people with the means to know Him, worship Him correctly, and live in a way that brings blessing. This spiritual provision is portrayed as a greater blessing than even physical sustenance or military protection, emphasizing God's desire for His people's moral and spiritual flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheweth (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** From H5046, this verb means "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication, "to manifest" or "to announce (always by word of mouth to one present)." It implies a direct, public, and authoritative presentation, not a hidden or obscure revelation. In this context, it emphasizes God's active, intentional, and clear communication of His will to Israel, making His character and expectations known in an undeniable way.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this is a broad and foundational term encompassing not just spoken utterances but also matters, affairs, or things. It refers to God's comprehensive revelation—His commands, promises, decrees, and the entire body of His communicated will. It speaks to the totality of God's self-disclosure, encompassing both His general and specific instructions to His people.
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** From H2706, this term is derived from a root meaning "to engrave" or "to inscribe." _Chôq_ refers to fixed ordinances, prescribed decrees, or established laws. These are often seen as unchangeable and binding, reflecting God's established order and His non-negotiable requirements for His people. They are the firm, foundational principles upon which the covenant relationship is built.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this term properly refers to a "verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially," especially a "sentence or formal decree." It encompasses divine rulings, legal precedents, and standards of justice, reflecting God's righteousness and the principles by which He governs. It speaks to the equitable and just nature of God's law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sheweth his word unto Jacob,"**: This clause establishes the divine agent ("He," referring to the Lord) and the recipient ("Jacob," a patriarchal name for the nation of Israel). The verb "sheweth" (from _nâgad'_) emphasizes God's active, intentional, and clear disclosure. "His word" (from _dâbâr'_) signifies the totality of God's verbal revelation, encompassing His commands, promises, and expressed will. This phrase highlights the unique privilege of Israel in receiving God's comprehensive truth directly.
* **"his statutes and his judgments unto Israel."**: This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, reiterating and specifying the nature of God's word. "Israel" is another name for the same nation, reinforcing the exclusivity of this revelation. "His statutes" (from _chôq'_) refers to the fixed, engraved ordinances and decrees, implying their unchanging and authoritative nature. "His judgments" (from _mishpâṭ'_) denotes divine rulings, legal precedents, and standards of justice, reflecting God's righteousness and the principles by which He governs. Together, "statutes and judgments" encapsulate the Mosaic Law in its entirety, emphasizing its comprehensive and just nature as the foundation of Israel's covenant life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, with the second clause ("his statutes and his judgments unto Israel") echoing and elaborating on the first ("He sheweth his word unto Jacob"). This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central message of God's unique revelation to Israel, using slightly different terms to describe both the recipients (Jacob/Israel) and the content of the revelation (word/statutes and judgments). This repetition emphasizes the completeness and multifaceted nature of God's law, underscoring its comprehensive scope. Additionally, **Synecdoche** is present in the use of "Jacob" and "Israel" to represent the entire nation, drawing on their patriarchal heritage to signify the collective identity of God's chosen people. The act of God "showing" His word can also be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (showing) to God to convey His personal and direct engagement with His people in revealing His truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 147:19 articulates a profound theological truth: God's sovereign choice to reveal Himself and His will specifically to Israel. This revelation was not merely a set of rules but the very foundation of their identity, their covenant relationship, and their purpose as a nation set apart. It highlights God's particular love and faithfulness to His chosen people, providing them with the divine blueprint for life, worship, and justice. This unique privilege of possessing God's authoritative word distinguished Israel from all other nations, who were left to grope in spiritual darkness or rely on human traditions. It underscores the immense value and transformative power of divine revelation, positioning it as the ultimate blessing bestowed upon a people, enabling them to walk in God's ways and reflect His character to the world.

* [Deuteronomy 4:7-8](/deuteronomy/4-7-8 "Deuteronomy 4:7-8 - Israel's Unparalleled Laws and God's Nearness")
* [Romans 3:1-2](/romans/3-1-2 "Romans 3:1-2 - The Advantage of the Jews and God's Oracles")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse calls contemporary believers to a profound appreciation for the Bible as God's revealed word. Just as ancient Israel was uniquely privileged to receive God's statutes and judgments, we, through Christ, have access to the complete canon of Scripture, which serves as our lamp and guide in a complex and often confusing world. This privilege demands a response: not merely intellectual assent, but active engagement, diligent study, and heartfelt obedience. Valuing God's word means recognizing its divine origin, its timeless truth, and its inherent power to transform lives from the inside out. It challenges us to move beyond superficial reading to deep meditation, allowing God's "statutes and judgments" to shape our worldview, inform our decisions, and cultivate a character that increasingly reflects His righteousness and holiness. Our lives should be a living testament to the transformative power of God's revealed truth, distinguishing us as His people in the same way His law distinguished Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the unique privilege Israel had in receiving God's word deepen your appreciation for the Bible today?**
* **In what specific ways do you "shew" or manifest God's word in your daily life, both through diligent study and consistent obedience?**
* **How do God's "statutes and judgments" (His moral and ethical commands) guide your decisions and shape your character in practical ways, distinguishing you as His follower?**
* **What tangible steps can you take to more diligently study and apply God's word, ensuring it remains the foundational authority and guiding light of your life?**

### FAQ
**Why was God's word given exclusively to Jacob/Israel, and not to all nations?**

Answer: Psalms 147:19 highlights God's sovereign choice and covenant faithfulness. While God reveals Himself generally through creation and conscience to all humanity (as seen in [Romans 1:19-20](/romans/1-19-20 "Romans 1:19-20 - God's Revelation in Creation and Conscience")), He chose Israel to be a unique nation through whom He would reveal His specific laws, redemptive plan, and ultimately, the Messiah. This was not due to Israel's inherent merit or superiority, but God's gracious election to establish a people through whom His truth would be preserved and eventually extended to all nations. This special revelation established a covenant relationship, providing Israel with the moral and spiritual framework necessary to live as His distinct people and be a light to the world, preparing the way for the universal spread of the Gospel.

**What is the difference between "word," "statutes," and "judgments" in this verse?**

Answer: These terms, while distinct, are often used in the Psalms to comprehensively describe God's revealed will. "Word" (Hebrew _dâbâr'_) is the broadest term, encompassing all of God's spoken commands, promises, and general revelation of His character and will. "Statutes" (Hebrew _chôq'_) refers to fixed ordinances, decrees, or prescribed laws, often implying something engraved or firmly established, like unchangeable laws that set boundaries. "Judgments" (Hebrew _mishpâṭ'_) denotes divine rulings, legal precedents, and just laws, reflecting God's righteousness and the standards by which He governs and administers justice. Together, they emphasize the comprehensive, authoritative, and just nature of the Mosaic Law, covering every aspect of life from moral principles to civil regulations and ceremonial duties.

**Does this verse imply that God does not care for or reveal Himself to other nations?**

Answer: Not at all. While Psalms 147:19 emphasizes God's *unique* and *specific* revelation of His covenant law to Israel, it does not negate His general care or revelation to other nations. The broader context of Psalms 147 itself speaks of God's universal power over nature, sending snow and frost to all lands (e.g., [Psalm 147:16-18](/psalms/147-16-18 "Psalm 147:16-18 - God's Control Over Nature")). The Bible teaches that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all people ([Acts 17:24-28](/acts/17-24-28 "Acts 17:24-28 - God as Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of All Nations")), and He reveals Himself to all through creation and conscience. However, the *special* revelation of His detailed moral and ceremonial law was uniquely entrusted to Israel as part of His redemptive plan, preparing the way for the ultimate and universal revelation in Christ, which would eventually extend God's truth to all peoples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 147:19, while celebrating God's unique revelation to ancient Israel, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The "word," "statutes," and "judgments" given to Jacob and Israel were a partial and preparatory revelation, pointing forward to the full and final self-disclosure of God in His Son. John's Gospel profoundly declares that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). This divine Word, who was with God from eternity, became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thus, what was "shown" to Jacob in written law is now embodied and perfectly revealed in Christ. Jesus Himself declared that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He perfectly lived out God's statutes and judgments, not only obeying them but also revealing their true spiritual intent and bringing them to their intended culmination. In Christ, we see the very character of God, His righteousness, justice, and love, made manifest in a living person. The author of Hebrews affirms that "in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Speaks Through His Son")), making Christ the supreme and complete revelation of God's will and truth. Through faith in Him, believers from all nations, not just physical Israel, now have access to God's ultimate "word," receiving His Spirit to write His laws on their hearts in the new covenant ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), the living embodiment of God's perfect will and the ultimate fulfillment of all the Law and the Prophets.

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

Malachi 4:4

¶ Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, [with] the statutes and judgments.

Psalms 78:5

For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:

Deuteronomy 33:2

And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand [went] a fiery law for them.

Deuteronomy 33:4

Moses commanded us a law, [even] the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.

Psalms 103:7

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

Deuteronomy 5:22

These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.