What does Psalms 147:2 mean?
"The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel." - Psalms 147:2
"Psalm 147:2 (KJV) states: "The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel." This verse is a declaration of God's power and compassion, particularly in the restoration and gathering of his people. The psalm as a whole is a hymn of praise to God, acknowledging his sovereignty and faithfulness.
Contextually, Psalm 147 is a song of praise for God's care and provision for his people, particularly in the building up of Jerusalem. The psalmist begins by calling the people to praise the Lord for his goodness and greatness. He exalts the Lord for his care of the brokenhearted and his ability to heal their wounds. The psalmist then moves on to praise God for his sovereignty over creation, from the numbering of the stars to the provision of rain for the earth. In this context, verse 2 serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and power in restoring and gathering his people.
The theme of restoration and gathering is central to this verse. The mention of building up Jerusalem and gathering the outcasts of Israel reflects God's commitment to restoring his people and bringing them together as a community. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, as God continually works to redeem and gather his people despite their disobedience and sin.
Symbolically, Jerusalem represents the people of God and their spiritual home. By building up Jerusalem, God is restoring and preserving his chosen people. The gathering of the outcasts of Israel speaks to God's compassion and inclusivity, reaching out to those who may have been marginalized or cast aside. This reflects God's heart for all of his people, extending grace and restoration to those who may feel lost or forgotten.
This verse also alludes to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, as the gathering of the outcasts of Israel points towards the coming of the Messiah. In Christ, God brings together all of his people, both Jew and Gentile, into one body of believers. This verse, then, foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus and the establishment of the Church as a gathering of God's people from all nations.
Overall, Psalm 147:2 (KJV) is a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and compassion towards his people. It serves as a reminder of God's commitment to restoration and gathering, and points towards the ultimate fulfillment of these promises in the redemptive work of Christ. As believers, we can take comfort in this truth, knowing that God is faithful to gather us together, heal our wounds, and build us up as his chosen people."
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Psalms 147:2 Artwork
Psalms 147:2 - "The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel."
"The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel." - Psalms 147:2
Psalms 147:3
Psalms 147:13 - "For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee."
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." - Psalms 147:3
"Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." - Psalms 147:5
Psalms 147:3 - "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."
Psalms 147:5 - "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite."
Psalms 147:14 - "He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat."
"He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names." - Psalms 147:4
"The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." - Psalms 147:11
Psalms 147:12 - "Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion."
Psalms 147:4 - "He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names."
"The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground." - Psalms 147:6
Psalms 147:16 - "He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes."
Psalms 147:6 - "The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground."
Psalms 147:10 - "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man."
Psalms 119:147 - "I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word."
Psalms 147:9 - "He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry."
Psalms 147:11 - "The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy."
"He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes." - Psalms 147:16
Psalms 147:16 - "He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes."
Psalms 147:7 - "Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:"
Psalms 147:15 - "He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly."
Psalms 147:1 - "Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely."
Psalms 147:19 - "He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel."
Psalms 147:17 - "He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?"
Psalms 147:18 - "He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow."
Psalms 147:20 - "He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD."
Psalms 147:8 - "Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains."