Psalms 147:2

KJV

The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} doth build up {H1129} Jerusalem {H3389}: he gathereth together {H3664} the outcasts {H1760} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is rebuilding Yerushalayim, gathering the dispersed of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel.

American Standard Version

Jehovah doth build up Jerusalem; He gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 147:2 celebrates the sovereign and compassionate work of the Lord in restoring His people. It declares a dual divine action: the rebuilding and re-establishment of Jerusalem, the spiritual and physical heart of Israel, and the merciful gathering of those who had been dispersed and marginalized from the community. This verse encapsulates God's active involvement in the national renewal and spiritual restoration of His covenant people, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness and tender care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise, likely part of a collection of post-exilic psalms (Psalms 146-150) that focus on God's greatness, power, and faithfulness to His covenant people. It transitions from a general call to praise the Lord in [Psalm 147:1](/psalms/147-1 "Psalm 147:1 - Praise the Lord") to specific reasons for that praise in [Psalm 147:2-6](/psalms/147-2 "Psalm 147:2-6 - God's Power and Care"). The immediate verses ([Psalm 147:3-6](/psalms/147-3 "Psalm 147:3-6 - God Heals and Sustains")) continue to elaborate on God's compassionate care, particularly for the brokenhearted and the humble, contrasting it with His immense power seen in creation. This verse, therefore, sets the tone for a psalm that intertwines God's grand cosmic power with His intimate, redemptive care for His people, particularly in their vulnerability and need for restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 147 is widely understood to be the period following the Babylonian exile, specifically the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem and Judah. After decades of captivity, the exiles returned to a devastated city and land. The temple lay in ruins, the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, and the people were scattered and disheartened. This period, documented in books like Ezra and Nehemiah, was marked by the monumental task of physical reconstruction and spiritual revival. The "outcasts of Israel" refer to those who had been dispersed during the exile, whether forcibly or through migration, and were now being brought back to their homeland. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was not just an architectural feat but a profound theological statement about God's faithfulness to His promises and the restoration of His covenant with Israel, signifying a renewed national identity and spiritual vitality.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration**, emphasizing that the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the gathering of the dispersed are not human achievements but direct acts of the Lord. This highlights God's active sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to His people, even in their brokenness. Secondly, it underscores **God's Compassion for the Vulnerable**, as He specifically gathers the "outcasts," those who were marginalized, scattered, and perhaps felt forgotten. This theme resonates with God's character as one who cares for the poor, the needy, and the afflicted, as seen in [Psalm 146:7-9](/psalms/146-7 "Psalm 146:7-9 - God's Justice and Care"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that despite Israel's disobedience leading to exile, God remains true to His promises to restore and bless His chosen nation, a promise echoed in prophetic literature like [Jeremiah 31:10](/jeremiah/31-10 "Jeremiah 31:10 - God Gathers Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **build up (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** From H1129, a primitive root meaning "to build (literally and figuratively)." This word conveys not merely a single act of construction but an ongoing process of establishing, strengthening, and even restoring. In the context of Jerusalem, it implies a comprehensive work of re-establishment, encompassing physical structures, societal order, and spiritual vitality. God is actively engaged in the continuous work of bringing order out of chaos and flourishing out of desolation.
* **gathereth together (Hebrew, _kânaç'_):** From H3664, a primitive root meaning "to collect; hence, to enfold." This term speaks to the act of bringing scattered elements into a unified whole. It implies a deliberate, purposeful collection, often with a sense of protection and inclusion. For the "outcasts," it signifies God's tender and intentional act of bringing them back into the fold of the community, reversing their dispersion and isolation.
* **outcasts (Hebrew, _dâchâh'_):** From H1760, a primitive root meaning "to push down; chase, drive away (on), overthrow, outcast." This word describes those who have been driven away, scattered, or pushed aside. It vividly portrays the vulnerable and marginalized state of the exiles. God's act of gathering them is a direct reversal of their previous state of being "pushed down" or "driven away," highlighting His redemptive power and compassionate care for the most vulnerable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD doth build up Jerusalem":** This clause emphatically declares that the rebuilding of Jerusalem is a divine initiative and accomplishment. It is not by human strength or political maneuvering, but by the Lord Himself that the city, representing the heart of the nation and its spiritual identity, is restored. This "building up" encompasses not just physical walls and temples, but the re-establishment of community, law, and worship.
* **"he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel":** This second clause reveals the compassionate and inclusive nature of God's restoration. Beyond the physical city, God's work extends to the people themselves, specifically those who were dispersed, marginalized, or considered abandoned during the exile. The act of "gathering together" signifies a reversal of their scattered state, bringing them back into fellowship, security, and their rightful place within the covenant community of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 147:2 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "builds up Jerusalem" is paralleled by "gathers together the outcasts of Israel." Both actions describe God's work of restoration, one focusing on the physical and spiritual center, the other on the dispersed people. This creates a sense of completeness and reinforces the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive activity. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the depiction of God actively "building" and "gathering," attributing human-like actions to the divine to make His involvement tangible and relatable. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is at play, with "Jerusalem" not just representing a physical city but also embodying the covenant people of Israel, their spiritual identity, and their restored relationship with God. The "outcasts" symbolize the vulnerable, the broken, and those in need of divine intervention and compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's active role in restoration, both of physical structures and, more importantly, of His scattered and broken people. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not a distant deity but one intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, particularly in bringing healing and wholeness where there is brokenness and dispersion. The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the gathering of the outcasts serve as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His commitment to His promises even in the face of human failure and exile. It also highlights His tender compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized, showcasing His desire to bring all His children into a place of security and belonging.

* [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - The Shepherd Gathers His Lambs")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God as the True Shepherd")
* [Nehemiah 1:9](/nehemiah/1-9 "Nehemiah 1:9 - God's Promise to Gather")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 147:2 offers immense spiritual nourishment for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our God is a God of restoration, capable of rebuilding what seems utterly ruined and gathering what feels irrevocably scattered. Whether we face personal brokenness, relational fragmentation, or societal decay, this verse assures us that the Lord is actively at work. He sees our "outcast" moments—when we feel isolated, forgotten, or pushed aside—and He moves with tender compassion to bring us back into His fold, into community, and into wholeness. This truth invites us to trust in His sovereign power to heal and restore, not only in grand, national ways but also in the intimate details of our individual lives. It encourages us to participate in His restorative work, extending compassion and seeking to gather those who are marginalized in our own communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "scattered" or "broken," and how does the truth of God as a rebuilder and gatherer bring you hope?**
* **How might you, as a follower of Christ, participate in God's work of gathering "outcasts" in your community or sphere of influence?**
* **What does God's faithfulness to Israel, despite their exile, teach us about His enduring love and commitment to His covenant with us?**

### FAQ
**What is the historical significance of "The LORD doth build up Jerusalem" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "The LORD doth build up Jerusalem" directly refers to the post-exilic period when the Jewish people returned from Babylonian captivity to a devastated city. While human hands were involved in the physical reconstruction of the walls and the temple (as chronicled in books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra - The Return from Exile") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah - Rebuilding the Walls")), the psalmist attributes the ultimate success and spiritual significance of this rebuilding to God's sovereign initiative and power. It signifies God's faithfulness to His promises to restore His people and their homeland, re-establishing their national and spiritual identity after a period of judgment and dispersion.

**Who are "the outcasts of Israel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The outcasts of Israel" refers to the Jewish people who had been dispersed, exiled, and scattered from their homeland during the Babylonian captivity and other periods of upheaval. This term emphasizes their vulnerable, marginalized, and alienated state—they were literally "driven away" from their land and community. God's act of "gathering together" these outcasts underscores His compassionate care for those who were separated, bringing them back into the covenant community and restoring their place within the nation, fulfilling prophetic promises of return and re-gathering found in passages like [Isaiah 11:12](/isaiah/11-12 "Isaiah 11:12 - God Gathers the Dispersed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 147:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Lord built up physical Jerusalem and gathered the scattered outcasts of Israel in the Old Testament, Christ is revealed as the divine architect and compassionate shepherd who builds His spiritual Jerusalem, the Church, and gathers all who are outcasts and lost. Jesus Himself declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ reconciles humanity to God, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and gathering people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Nation")) into one new humanity. He is the Good Shepherd who seeks out the lost sheep, the "outcasts" of sin and alienation, bringing them into His fold ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers All Sheep")). Thus, the Old Testament promise of restoration and gathering culminates in Christ, who establishes a spiritual kingdom and continually gathers His people into a living temple built on Him as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")).

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

Deuteronomy 30:3

That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

Isaiah 56:8

The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather [others] to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

Psalms 51:18

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 62:7

And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

Ezekiel 38:8

After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.

Isaiah 14:32

What shall [one] then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

Ezekiel 39:27

When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations;