Psalms 147:20

KJV

He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath not dealt {H6213} so with any nation {H1471}: and as for his judgments {H4941}, they have not known {H3045} them. Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He has not done this for other nations; they do not know his rulings. Halleluyah!

Berean Standard Bible

He has done this for no other nation; they do not know His judgments. Hallelujah!

American Standard Version

He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Praise ye Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:20 stands as a profound declaration of God's unparalleled and exclusive covenant relationship with Israel, highlighting His unique favor in bestowing upon them His divine statutes and judgments, a privilege distinctly withheld from all other nations. This verse serves as a climactic crescendo within a psalm that glorifies God's majestic sovereignty over creation and His intimate, redemptive, and particularistic care for His chosen people, culminating in a resounding and urgent call to worship Him for His singular faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, structured as a vibrant call to worship that extols God's dual greatness: His sovereign power over the natural world and His tender, specific care for His people. The preceding verses, particularly [Psalms 147:19](/psalms/147-19 "Psalms 147:19 - God Reveals His Word to Jacob"), explicitly state, "He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel." This declaration directly sets the stage for verse 20, emphasizing the exclusivity and profound significance of this divine revelation. The psalm begins and ends with the exhortation to "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah), creating an [inclusio](/psalms/147 "Psalm 147 - A Comprehensive Call to Praise") that frames the entire composition as a testament to God's praiseworthy character and actions, particularly His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people and His unique relationship with them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting is debated, many scholars suggest Psalm 147 was composed in the post-exilic period, possibly celebrating the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the return of the Jewish exiles (cf. [Nehemiah 1-7](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1-7 - Rebuilding Jerusalem's Walls and Restoration")). This context imbues the psalm with a deep sense of gratitude for God's faithfulness in restoring His people and their capital after a period of dispersion and desolation. Culturally, the concept of a nation having a unique relationship with its deity was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, but Israel's distinctiveness lay in the *nature* of their God—the one true, living God—and the *content* of His revelation, which was moral, ethical, and redemptive, setting them apart from the polytheistic and often capricious deities of surrounding nations. The 'judgments' (mishpatim) were not merely legal codes but a comprehensive way of life, reflecting God's righteous character and establishing a holy community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Unique Favor and Covenant Fidelity to Israel**. The assertion that God "hath not dealt so with any nation" highlights Israel's distinct and privileged position, founded not on their merit but on God's sovereign choice and unwavering covenant love (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6-8 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - Israel, a Chosen People")). Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Divine Revelation and Law**. The phrase "as for his judgments, they have not known them" points to the unparalleled gift of God's revealed law—His statutes, decrees, and ordinances (Torah)—given exclusively to Israel. This revelation provided the moral, civil, and spiritual framework for their existence, guiding them in righteousness and distinguishing them from all other peoples (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:8](/deuteronomy/4-8 "Deuteronomy 4:8 - Israel's Righteous Statutes and Judgments")). Finally, the concluding 'Praise ye the LORD' reinforces the central theme of **Worship and Adoration** as the proper and natural response to God's incredible acts of grace, unique revelation, and sustaining power, encapsulating the very purpose of the entire [Psalm 147](/psalms/147 "Psalm 147 - A Call to Praise God for His Power and Care").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, referring to a foreign nation or Gentile. In this context, it emphasizes the distinctness of Israel from all other peoples, highlighting that God's specific covenant dealings and revelation were not extended to any other ethnic or political entity in the same manner. This term underscores the exclusivity of God's relationship with Israel under the Old Covenant, setting them apart as uniquely chosen.
* **judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, properly denoting a verdict, sentence, decree, or formal law. It encompasses God's ordinances, statutes, and righteous laws, representing the entire body of divine instruction and moral principles revealed by God. This term signifies the authoritative, just, and comprehensive nature of God's commands, which were a unique possession and guide for Israel, shaping their society and spiritual life.
* **known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, meaning to know, properly to ascertain by seeing, to comprehend, or to be intimately acquainted with. In this verse, 'they have not known them' implies not just a lack of intellectual awareness but a lack of intimate, experiential knowledge and adherence to God's judgments. Other nations did not have the direct, explicit divine instruction and covenant relationship that would enable such profound knowing and living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath not dealt so with any nation":** This clause asserts God's unparalleled and exclusive relationship with Israel. The verb 'dealt' (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) implies a comprehensive and active engagement, signifying that God's specific actions, provisions, and covenant blessings extended to Israel in a way He did not extend to any other nation on earth. This highlights Israel's unique status as God's chosen people, set apart by divine decree and particular favor.
* **"and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them":** This part specifies the nature of God's unique dealing: the revelation of His 'judgments' (laws, statutes, ordinances). The statement that other nations 'have not known them' emphasizes that they did not receive this direct, explicit, and comprehensive divine instruction. This lack of 'knowing' implies both an absence of revelation and, consequently, a lack of the intimate, covenantal relationship and moral guidance that came with it, underscoring Israel's privileged access to divine truth.
* **"Praise ye the LORD":** This concluding imperative serves as the psalm's triumphant culmination and its ultimate purpose. It is a direct, urgent call to worship and adoration, urging the audience (and all readers) to respond with profound gratitude and praise to God for His magnificent power, His benevolent care for creation, and especially His unique, faithful, and redemptive dealings with His chosen people, Israel, recognizing the immense privilege of His revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 147:20 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with impactful clarity. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which powerfully sets Israel apart from "any nation" by highlighting God's unique dealings and the exclusive revelation of His "judgments" to them. This immediately establishes Israel's **Exclusivity** as God's chosen people, a foundational theme throughout the Old Testament narrative. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through negation ("He hath not dealt so") to underscore the singular and unparalleled privilege bestowed upon Israel. Finally, the concluding phrase, "Praise ye the LORD," functions as a direct **Imperative** or command, serving as a powerful call to worship that summarizes the psalm's overarching purpose and provides a fitting doxological end to the entire composition, urging a response of adoration to God's unique actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 147:20 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's sovereign election and His particularistic revelation to Israel under the Old Covenant. This verse underscores that God, in His divine prerogative, chose one nation through whom He would reveal His character, His will, and His redemptive plan for humanity. The 'judgments' given to Israel were not merely legal codes but a divine constitution, a blueprint for a holy life that reflected God's own righteousness and set them apart as a light to the nations. This unique privilege was foundational to Israel's identity and their indispensable role in salvation history, preparing the way for the universal revelation of God's grace. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His deliberate, purposeful engagement with humanity, demonstrating His intentionality in establishing a people for Himself.

* [Deuteronomy 4:7-8](/deuteronomy/4-7-8 "Deuteronomy 4:7-8 - Israel's Unique Nearness to God")
* [Romans 3:1-2](/romans/3-1-2 "Romans 3:1-2 - The Advantage of the Jews")
* [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - God's Exclusive Knowledge of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse calls us to profound reflection on God's sovereignty and the immense privilege of divine revelation. While God dealt uniquely with Israel in the Old Covenant, we, as believers in Christ, now have access to the complete and final revelation of God in His Son and in the Scriptures. We are called not only to 'know' God's judgments intellectually but to experientially live them out, allowing His Word to transform our hearts and guide our steps, cultivating a life of obedience and devotion. This should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for the accessibility of God's truth, which illuminates our path and provides wisdom for living in a complex world. Furthermore, it reminds us that God's purposes are ultimately redemptive and global, extending His truth and salvation to all who believe, transcending national boundaries and inviting all into His family. Our response, like that of the psalmist, should be one of continuous, heartfelt, and joyful praise for His unparalleled goodness, His unfolding plan of salvation, and the privilege of being known by Him and knowing Him through His revealed Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's unique dealings with Israel deepen your appreciation for His character, faithfulness, and the progression of His redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways do you actively 'know' and apply God's judgments (His Word) in your daily life, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to experiential obedience?**
* **How does the call to 'Praise ye the LORD' resonate with your understanding of God's revelation to humanity, both in the Old Testament and supremely through Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did God deal uniquely with Israel and not with other nations?**

Answer: God's unique dealing with Israel was part of His sovereign and wise plan for the redemption of humanity. He chose Israel not because of their size or inherent merit, but out of His steadfast love and to fulfill His unconditional covenant promises to Abraham ([Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love and Covenant with Israel")). Through Israel, God would preserve the knowledge of Himself, reveal His moral law and righteous standards, and ultimately bring forth the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would be a light to all nations ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - The Servant as a Light to the Nations")). This unique relationship established a foundational framework for the universal salvation that would later be offered to all peoples, demonstrating God's particularity leading to His universality.

**What does "judgments" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 147:20, "judgments" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_) refers to God's divine ordinances, statutes, decrees, and righteous laws. It encompasses the entire body of divine instruction, moral principles, and covenant stipulations that God revealed exclusively to Israel through Moses and the prophets. These were not merely legal codes but a comprehensive guide for their moral, civil, and spiritual life, reflecting God's own righteous character and providing the framework for their relationship with Him ([Exodus 21-23](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21-23 - Covenant Laws and Ordinances")). Other nations, lacking this direct and explicit divine revelation, did not "know" these judgments in the same intimate and covenantal sense.

**How can we "praise the LORD" in light of this verse today?**

Answer: We can praise the LORD today by acknowledging His sovereign power over creation and His faithful dealings with humanity throughout history. Specifically, we praise Him for the incomparable gift of His revealed Word, which is now fully accessible to us in the Bible, guiding us in truth and righteousness, and providing wisdom for every aspect of life. We also praise Him for extending His salvation to all nations through Jesus Christ, thereby fulfilling the promises made to Israel and breaking down barriers of ethnicity and nationality. Our praise should be a continuous response of profound gratitude and adoration for His unparalleled goodness, His unfolding redemptive plan, and the privilege of knowing Him intimately through His Son ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering a Sacrifice of Praise")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 147:20 celebrates God's unique covenant with Israel and their exclusive reception of His judgments, this particularistic revelation ultimately finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The 'judgments' and laws given to Israel pointed forward to the perfect righteousness embodied in Christ, who came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it completely ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Jesus is the ultimate and complete revelation of God, the Word made flesh, through whom all people, regardless of their national origin, can now truly 'know' God in an intimate, saving way, a knowledge previously limited to Israel's unique covenant relationship ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, the spiritual barrier between God and all nations was broken down, extending the blessings of Abraham to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - The Blessing of Abraham to the Gentiles")). The call to 'Praise ye the LORD' now resounds globally, as people from 'every nation, tribe, people and language' can come to know God's saving grace and offer Him worship, fulfilling God's original intention for Israel to be a light to the Gentiles ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God")). In Christ, the exclusive privilege of Israel is expanded into an inclusive invitation for all humanity to enter into a new covenant relationship with God, predicated on grace and faith, rather than national identity or adherence to the Old Covenant law.

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 4:32

For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and [ask] from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been [any such thing] as this great thing [is], or hath been heard like it?

Deuteronomy 4:34

Or hath God assayed to go [and] take him a nation from the midst of [another] nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Romans 3:1

¶ What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision?

Romans 3:2

Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

Deuteronomy 4:7

For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]?

Deuteronomy 4:8

And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: