Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 147:1

Whole Psalm. The whole Psalm is an invitation unto praising of God. Arguments therein are drawn, First, from God's general goodness to the world (Ps 147:4,8-9,16-18): Secondly, from his special mercy to his Church. 1. In restoring it out of a sad and broken condition (Ps 147:2-3). 2. In confirming it in a happy and prosperous estate, both temporal, in regard of strength, peace, and plenty (Ps 147:12-14); and spiritual, in regard of his word, statutes, and judgments, made known unto them (Ps 147:19-20). Lastly, these mercies are all commended by the manner of bestowing them —powerfully and swiftly. He doth it; by a word of command, and by a word of speed: "He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly" (Ps 147:15). The temporal part of this happy estate, together with the manner of bestowing it, is herein described, but we must by no means exclude the spiritual meaning. And what can be wanting to a nation which "strengthened" with walls, "blessed" with multitudes, hath "peace" in the border, "plenty" in the field, and, what is all in all, God in the sanctuary: God the bar of the "gate", the Father of the children, the crown of the "peace", the staff of the "plenty"? They haven "gate" restored, a "city" blessed, a "border" quieted, a "field" crowned, a "sanctuary" beautified with the oracles of God. What can bc wanting to such a people, but a mouth filled, a heart enlarged, a spirit exalted in the praises of the Lord? "Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion", etc. (Ps 147:12). —Edward Reynolds in a Sermon entitled "Sion's Praises", 1657.

Whole Psalm. The God of Israel, what he has done, what he does, what he can do —this is the "Hallelujah" note of his song. So happy is the theme, that in Ps 147:1 we find a contribution for it levied on Ps 33:1 92:1 135:3; each must furnish its quota of testimony to the desirableness of giving praise to such a God. —Andrew A. Bonar.

Praise ye the Lord. Alleluia. An expression in sound very similar to this seems to have been used by many nations, who can hardly be supposed to have borrowed it from the Jews. Is it impossible that this is one of the most ancient expressions of devotion? From the Greeks using eleleu ih, as a solemn beginning and ending of their hymns to Apollo, it should seem that they knew it; it is said also to have been heard among the Indians in America, and Alia, Alla, as the name of God, is used in great part of the East: also in composition. What might be the primitive stock which has furnished such spreading branches? —Augustin Calmer, 1672-1757.