From Psalms 147:12 on there is a more personal address to Jerusalem and Zion. The thee and thou justify the application of the psalm to the spiritual condition of the Church and the individual. God's work in nature illustrates His dealings with His children. Are we strengthened against temptation, as a city with bars and bolts, blessed with peace, and filled with the fine flour of gospel truth? It is because He hath so appointed it by His commandment and swiftly-running word. Is it winter, the air full of blinding snowflakes; rime everywhere, as if the frost-king had powdered the earth and bound the waters with His chain? Be of good cheer; God is in it all. Winter is needed to pulverize the soil; but as soon as it has done its necessary work, the warm breath of His manifested love will breathe over desolations, and all the frost and snow will hasten to be gone. Will God give so much thought to garnishing the home in which His children live and neglect them? Besides, He has shown us so many wonderful judgments and such discoveries of His character, that He is pledged to us. Hallelujah! [source]
Chapter Summary: Psalms 147
1The prophet exhorts to praise God for his care of the church 4His power and wisdom 6His mercy 7His providence 12To praise him for his blessings upon the kingdom 15For his power over the elements 19And for his ordinances in the church
What do the individual words in Psalms 147:12 mean?
Parse: Proper Noun, feminine singular
Root: יְרוּשָׁלַםִ
Sense: the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Parse: Direct object marker
Root: אֹות
Sense: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative.