Description
This psalm speaks of the LORD building up Jerusalem and gathering the exiles of Israel. It may describe the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, or possibly its rebuilding at the start of the Millennium.
Commentary
This psalm speaks of the LORD building up Jerusalem and gathering the exiles of Israel. This may refer to the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile; or to the modern restoration of Israel with Jerusalem as its capital; or to the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the Millennium, after it suffers much destruction during the Great Tribulation. Verse 14 speaks of peace and prosperity, which might support a millennial context for this psalm. Verses 19 to 20 seem to place it in an Old Testament context, since during the present age and in the Millennium God's word and laws are revealed to all nations, not just to Israel. But God's rebuilding of Jerusalem and restoration of the exiles of Israel are recurring themes in biblical end-time prophecies.
Tags
Places: Jerusalem
Symbols:
Tags: Restoration of Israel, Return of exiles to Israel, Rebuilding of Jerusalem, Millennium
1 Praise the Lord, for it is good to sing praises to our God! Yes, praise is pleasant and appropriate!
2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem, and gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted, and bandages their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars; he names all of them.
5 Our Lord is great and has awesome power; there is no limit to his wisdom.
6 The Lord lifts up the oppressed, but knocks the wicked to the ground.
7 Offer to the Lord a song of thanks! Sing praises to our God to the accompaniment of a harp!
8 He covers the sky with clouds, provides the earth with rain, and causes grass to grow on the hillsides.
9 He gives food to the animals, and to the young ravens when they chirp.
10 He is not enamored with the strength of a horse, nor is he impressed by the warrior’s strong legs.
11 The Lord takes delight in his faithful followers, and in those who wait for his loyal love.
12 Extol the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For he makes the bars of your gates strong. He blesses your children within you.
14 He brings peace to your territory. He abundantly provides for you the best grain.
15 He sends his command through the earth; swiftly his order reaches its destination.
16 He sends the snow that is white like wool; he spreads the frost that is white like ashes.
17 He throws his hailstones like crumbs. Who can withstand the cold wind he sends?
18 He then orders it all to melt; he breathes on it, and the water flows.
19 He proclaims his word to Jacob, his statutes and regulations to Israel.
20 He has not done so with any other nation; they are not aware of his regulations. Praise the Lord!
(NET)