Psalm 147: He Heals the Brokenhearted – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

Executive Summary

Psalm 147, a hymn of praise, resounds with the themes of restoration, divine providence, and the unique relationship between God and His people. This psalm invites us to consider God’s active involvement in the world, from rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering the exiles to providing sustenance for both humans and animals. At its heart, Psalm 147 emphasizes God’s compassion for the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds and offering solace. It underscores the importance of fearing God, not for His strength alone, but for His mercy and loving-kindness. We are called not to rely on earthly might, but on the unwavering love and restorative power of God, the healer of all brokenness, the giver of hope, and the sustainer of life. This Psalm is a testament to God’s constant, active, and loving engagement with His creation, a comforting reminder of His unfailing presence in times of distress. Reflecting upon Psalm 147 allows us to access inner peace and strength, focusing not on worldly strife, but on the divine power that restores, rebuilds, and ultimately redeems. The message of Psalm 147 is profoundly relevant today: a world so often full of brokenness needs the healing touch of divine love more than ever before.

Let us delve into Psalm 147, “He Heals the Brokenhearted,” a profound hymn that offers solace and hope to all who are suffering. This psalm is a vibrant tapestry woven with themes of restoration, divine providence, and the boundless love of God. We will explore its verses, uncovering the rich theological and spiritual insights they offer, and discover how the message of Psalm 147 continues to resonate in our lives today, particularly in understanding how He Heals the Brokenhearted.

Commentary on Psalm 147

Verse 1

Hebrew: הַֽלְלוּ־יָ֭הּ כִּי־טֹ֣וב זַמְּרָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ כִּי־נָעִ֬ים נָוָ֖ה תְהִלָּֽה׃

KJV: Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

NKJV: Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

The psalm opens with a call to worship, “Praise ye the LORD!” (Hallelujah). The psalmist emphasizes the goodness and pleasantness of praising God. Praise is not merely an obligation, but a delightful and fitting response to God’s character. The word “comely” suggests that praise is beautiful and appropriate. St. Basil the Great wrote, “Ἡ δὲ ψαλμῳδία, ἡσυχία ψυχῆς, βραβεῖον εἰρήνης, καταστολὴ θορύβου… δημιουργὸς φιλίας, ἕνωσις τῶν διεστώτων, καταλλαγὴ τῶν πολεμίων” (Homilia in Psalmum 1) – “Psalmody is the tranquility of souls, the prize of peace, the moderation of turmoil… the creator of friendship, the unity of the divided, reconciliation of enemies.” This shows how praise, especially through psalms, can bring inner peace and unity. Praise, therefore, is not just an outward expression but an inward transformation. You can also explore website builder options to create a platform to facilitate such transformations within your community.

Application: Cultivate a heart of gratitude and express it through praise, even in difficult circumstances. Let our praise be a reflection of the inner peace that comes from knowing God.

Verse 2

Hebrew: בֹּונֵ֣ה יְ֭רוּשָׁלִַם יְהֹוָ֑ה נִדְחֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל יְכַנֵּֽס׃

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

NKJV: The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

Here, the psalmist highlights God’s restorative power, particularly in rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering the exiles of Israel. This speaks to both a literal rebuilding after the Babylonian exile and a spiritual restoration. The rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolizes the restoration of God’s people and their relationship with Him. The gathering of the outcasts represents God’s mercy and his desire to bring all people back to Himself. St. Cyril of Alexandria states, “Τὸ γὰρ συναγαγεῖν τοὺς ἀπολωλότας, τοῦ σωτῆρος ἔργον ἐστί” (Commentarii in Esaiam) – “For to gather together those who are lost, is the work of the Savior.” The Lord continues to rebuild and restore lives today, gathering those who feel lost or abandoned.

Application: Trust in God’s power to restore broken relationships, heal past wounds, and rebuild areas of your life that feel destroyed. Recognize that you can be part of God’s restorative work in the lives of others.

Verse 3

Hebrew: הָרֹפֵ֣א לִשְׁבֳוּרֵי־לֵב֮ וּֽמְחַבֵּ֪שׁ לְעַצְּבֹתָֽם׃

KJV: He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

NKJV: He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

This verse is the very heart of the psalm, proclaiming that God “healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” This imagery speaks of God’s intimate care and compassion for those who are suffering emotionally and spiritually. The act of “binding up their wounds” suggests a tender and personal touch. St. John Chrysostom wrote, “Οὐδὲν οὕτω φιλάνθρωπον ὡς τὸ θεραπεύειν τὴν συντετριμμένην καρδίαν” (Homiliae in Epistolam ad Ephesios) – “Nothing is so loving as to heal a contrite heart.” The brokenhearted can find solace and healing in God’s presence. This is a profound promise of healing and restoration for all who are hurting. The image of a physician tending to wounds is powerful, indicating the personalized and careful attention God gives to each individual’s pain.

Application: Turn to God in times of heartbreak and emotional distress. Believe that He is present and willing to heal your wounds, offering comfort and restoration.

Verse 4

Hebrew: מֹונֶ֣ה מִסְפָּ֣ר לַכֹּוכָבִ֑ים לְכֻלָּ֥ם שֵׁמֹות יִקְרָֽא׃

KJV: He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

NKJV: He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.

Here, the psalmist marvels at God’s vast knowledge and power, noting that He “telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.” This emphasizes God’s detailed understanding and control over the universe. This signifies not just knowledge, but intimate care. The stars, countless to human reckoning, are known individually by God. This highlights the immensity of God’s attention and the detailed nature of His creation. St. Athanasius says, “Οὐδὲν γὰρ ἀδύνατον παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ” (Contra Gentes) – “For nothing is impossible with God.” This verse underscores God’s infinite power and His meticulous attention to detail.

Application: Remember that God’s knowledge of you is as vast and detailed as His knowledge of the universe. He knows your needs and cares for you intimately.

Verse 5

Hebrew: גָּדֹ֣ול אֲדֹונֵ֣ינוּ וְרַב־כֹּ֑חַ לִתְבוּנָתֹ֥ו אֵין־מִסְפָּֽר׃

KJV: Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

NKJV: Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.

This verse reiterates God’s greatness and boundless understanding. It emphasizes the infinite nature of God’s wisdom, beyond human comprehension. God’s power is not arbitrary but is guided by infinite wisdom. The combination of great power and infinite understanding ensures that God’s actions are always just and righteous. St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote, “Τὸ ἄπειρον τῆς θείας φύσεως” (Contra Eunomium) – “The infinitude of the divine nature.” This verse reminds us of the awe-inspiring nature of God and the limitations of human understanding in grasping His ways.

Application: Acknowledge the limits of your understanding and trust in God’s infinite wisdom, even when you cannot comprehend His ways.

Verse 6

Hebrew: מְעֹודֵ֣ד עֲנָוִ֣ים יְהֹוָ֑ה מַשְׁפִּיל רְשָׁעִ֖ים עֲדֵי־אָֽרֶץ׃

KJV: The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.

NKJV: The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.

Here we see God’s justice in action: He “lifteth up the meek” and “casteth the wicked down to the ground.” This reflects God’s preference for humility and His opposition to pride and injustice. God elevates those who are humble and submissive to Him, while He humbles those who are arrogant and oppressive. The lifting up of the meek is a common theme in Scripture, highlighting the value of humility in God’s eyes. St. Macarius of Egypt taught, “Ἡ ταπεινοφροσύνη ἄγει εἰς τὴν ἀλήθειαν” (Homiliae Spirituales) – “Humility leads to the truth.”

Application: Cultivate humility and meekness in your interactions with others. Trust that God will exalt those who are humble and will ultimately bring justice to the world.

Verse 7

Hebrew: עֱנ֣וּ לַֽיהֹוָ֣ה בְּתֹודָ֑ה זַמְּר֖וּ לֵֽאלֹהֵינוּ בְכִנֹּֽור׃

KJV: Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

NKJV: Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God,

The psalmist returns to the theme of praise, urging the people to “Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving is an essential component of worship, acknowledging God’s goodness and provision. The use of musical instruments, specifically the harp, enhances the joyful expression of praise. Giving thanks in all circumstances demonstrates faith in God’s sovereign control and loving care. St. Clement of Alexandria noted, “Χαρὰν ἐκ Θεοῦ λαμβάνοντες, εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ διδόντι” (Stromata) – “Receiving joy from God, we give thanks to the giver.” This verse reminds us to express our gratitude to God in all circumstances.

Application: Make thanksgiving a regular part of your prayer life. Express gratitude for God’s blessings, both big and small, and let your heart overflow with praise.

Verse 8

Hebrew: הַֽמְכַסֶּ֤ה שָׁמַ֨יִם בְּעָבִ֗ים הַמֵּכִ֥ין לָאָ֙רֶץ מָטָר֮ הַֽמַצְמִ֪יחַ הָרִ֫ים חָצִֽיר׃

KJV: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

NKJV: Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

The psalm turns to the natural world, highlighting God’s provision for the earth. He “covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.” This demonstrates God’s sovereignty over creation and His care for all living things. Rain is essential for life, and God provides it in abundance. The mountains, often barren and desolate, are made fruitful by God’s provision. This showcases the depth of God’s care in areas that seem unlikely to produce life.

Application: Recognize God’s hand in the natural world. Appreciate the beauty and abundance of creation and be mindful of your role as a steward of the earth.

Verse 9

Hebrew: נֹתֵ֣ן לִבְהֵמָ֣ה לַחְמָ֑הּ לִבְנֵי־עֹרֵ֖ב אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִקְרָֽאוּ׃

KJV: He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.

NKJV: He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens which call on Him.

God’s provision extends even to animals, as He “giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.” This emphasizes God’s care for all creatures, even those considered insignificant. The mention of ravens highlights God’s attention to the vulnerable and needy. Ravens were often seen as unclean birds, yet God provides for them. This underscores the comprehensive nature of God’s care and His love for all of creation.

Application: Be mindful of the needs of all living things. Show compassion and kindness to animals, recognizing that they too are part of God’s creation and depend on His provision.

Verse 10

Hebrew: לֹא בִגְבוּרַת הַסּוס יֶחְפָּץ לֹא־בְשֹׁוקֵי הָאִישׁ יִרְצֶה׃

KJV: He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

NKJV: He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

The psalmist contrasts earthly strength with God’s values. “He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.” God is not impressed by human or animal might but values other qualities more highly. This verse challenges the reliance on military strength and physical prowess. God looks beyond outward appearances and values inner qualities such as humility, faith, and love. External strength is fleeting, but spiritual strength endures.

Application: Do not rely on earthly power or physical strength for security or success. Instead, cultivate inner qualities that please God, such as humility, faith, and love.

Verse 11

Hebrew: רֹוצֶה יְהֹוָה אֶת־יְרֵאָיו אֶת־הַֽמְיַחֲלִים לְחַסְדֹּֽו׃

KJV: The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

NKJV: The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, Those who hope in His mercy.

This verse reveals what truly pleases God: “The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” Fear of the Lord is not mere terror, but a profound reverence and respect. Hope in God’s mercy reflects trust in His loving-kindness and forgiveness. God delights in those who approach Him with reverence and trust, recognizing their dependence on His grace. True fear of the Lord leads to a deep appreciation of His mercy and a desire to live according to His will.

Application: Cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, characterized by reverence and respect. Place your hope in God’s mercy, trusting in His loving-kindness and forgiveness.

Verse 12-20

These verses praise God for his protection of Jerusalem, the provision of peace, and the sending of his word and commandments to Israel. They extol His control over weather, commanding snow, frost, and ice, and then melting them with His breath. This section speaks specifically to God’s unique relationship with Israel, but also echoes the universal themes of providence, protection, and divine law. While directly referencing the physical nation of Israel, these verses also hold spiritual significance for believers today. We are called to be “spiritual Israel,” those who follow God’s commandments and live according to His will. His laws provide structure and purpose, while His grace provides forgiveness and strength. God’s commandments are not burdens, but guidelines for living a fulfilling life in harmony with His will. They show us how to love God and how to love our neighbor. His word is a lamp unto our feet, guiding us on the path of righteousness. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commandments as an expression of love and gratitude. Just as God protected Jerusalem, He protects those who put their trust in Him. He provides peace amidst the chaos and brings order to our lives.

Application: Meditate on God’s word, striving to understand and obey His commandments. Seek His protection and trust in His provision for all your needs. Recognize that we are called to be “spiritual Israel,” living according to God’s will.

Key Teachings from Psalm 147

Psalm 147 offers a multitude of spiritual insights. Here are a few key takeaways:

• ✨ God is the Healer of the Brokenhearted: The psalm emphasizes God’s compassion and ability to heal emotional and spiritual wounds.
• 💡 Divine Providence: God provides for all creation, from the smallest animals to the vast expanse of the universe.
• 📖 Humility and Reverence: God delights in those who fear Him and hope in His mercy, valuing humility over earthly power.
• 📜 Restoration and Rebuilding: God has the power to restore broken lives and rebuild shattered communities.
• 🕊️ Praise and Thanksgiving: Praise and thanksgiving are appropriate responses to God’s goodness and provision.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Psalm 147:

• Q: What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?
  A: The “fear of the Lord” is not simply being afraid of God, but rather a deep reverence, respect, and awe that leads to obedience and trust in Him. It’s acknowledging His holiness and power while recognizing our dependence on Him.
• Q: How does God “bind up our wounds”?
  A: God binds up our wounds through His presence, His word, and the community of faith. He offers comfort, healing, and restoration through prayer, Scripture, and the support of fellow believers.
• Q: What does Psalm 147 teach us about God’s character?
  A: Psalm 147 reveals God as compassionate, powerful, wise, just, and providential. He cares for the brokenhearted, provides for all creation, and delights in those who fear Him and hope in His mercy.
• Q: How can I apply the teachings of Psalm 147 to my life?
  A: You can apply the teachings of Psalm 147 by turning to God in times of heartbreak, expressing gratitude for His blessings, cultivating humility, and trusting in His provision for all your needs. Strive to follow His commandments and live a life of reverence and love.

Conclusion

Psalm 147 provides a powerful reminder of God’s active and loving engagement in our lives. It assures us that He Heals the Brokenhearted, providing solace and restoration to those who are suffering. It also calls us to recognize His providential care for all creation and to respond with praise, thanksgiving, and humble obedience. By trusting in His mercy and cultivating reverence for Him, we can experience the fullness of His blessings and find true peace in His presence. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are invited to embrace the teachings of Psalm 147, allowing them to shape our hearts, minds, and actions, and to live as witnesses to God’s love and grace in the world. May this psalm be a source of comfort, hope, and inspiration for all who seek Him.

Tags

Psalm 147, Healing, Brokenhearted, Coptic Orthodox, Commentary, Praise, Thanksgiving, Divine Providence, Restoration, Humility

Meta Description

A Coptic Orthodox commentary on Psalm 147: He Heals the Brokenhearted. Explore its profound message of healing, divine providence, and the importance of praise.