Psalm 147:1
Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God, for praise is pleasant and lovely.
Hallelujah!
The term "Hallelujah" is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase "Hallelu Yah," which means "Praise the Lord." This exclamation is a call to worship and is often used in the Psalms to express joy and gratitude towards God. The use of "Hallelujah" sets the tone for the entire verse, inviting believers to join in a communal expression of worship. Historically, this term has been a central part of Jewish and Christian liturgies, emphasizing the importance of praise in the life of faith.

How good it is
The phrase "How good it is" reflects the intrinsic value and benefit of worship. The Hebrew word for "good" (טוֹב, tov) conveys a sense of moral goodness, beauty, and pleasantness. This suggests that praising God is not only a duty but also a source of joy and fulfillment. In the context of ancient Israel, communal worship was a vital part of life, reinforcing social bonds and spiritual identity.

to sing praises
"Singing praises" involves vocal expressions of worship, often accompanied by music. The Hebrew root "zamar" (זָמַר) means to make music or sing, indicating that worship is both an auditory and emotional experience. Throughout the Bible, music is a powerful tool for expressing devotion and recounting God's deeds. The act of singing praises is a way to engage the heart and mind, aligning them with God's truth and beauty.

to our God
The phrase "to our God" personalizes the act of worship, emphasizing a relationship with the divine. The use of "our" indicates a collective identity among believers, who share in the worship of the one true God. This communal aspect of worship is central to the faith experience, as it unites individuals in a shared purpose and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness.

for praise is pleasant
The word "pleasant" (נָעִים, na'im) in Hebrew suggests something delightful and agreeable. Praise is not only a duty but also a source of joy and satisfaction. This reflects the belief that worship aligns the soul with its Creator, bringing peace and contentment. Historically, the Psalms have been a source of comfort and inspiration, reminding believers of the beauty and joy found in God's presence.

and lovely
The term "lovely" (נָאוֶה, naveh) conveys a sense of beauty and attractiveness. In the context of worship, it suggests that praise is inherently beautiful and fitting. This aligns with the biblical view that God is the source of all beauty, and that worship is a reflection of His divine nature. The loveliness of praise is a testament to the transformative power of worship, which elevates the human spirit and draws it closer to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Psalmist
The author of this psalm, traditionally attributed to King David or another inspired writer, who calls the community to worship and praise God.

2. God
The central figure of the psalm, who is worthy of praise for His goodness, power, and care for His creation.

3. Israel
The people of God, who are often the primary audience for the psalms, called to worship and praise the Lord.

4. Jerusalem
While not mentioned in this specific verse, it is often the setting for worship and praise in the psalms.

5. Worship Gathering
The communal event where the people of God come together to sing praises, as encouraged by the psalmist.
Teaching Points
The Call to Praise
Recognize that praising God is not just a suggestion but a joyful command. It is an integral part of our relationship with Him.

The Goodness of Praise
Understand that praising God is inherently good and beneficial for our spiritual well-being. It aligns our hearts with His truth.

The Beauty of Worship
Appreciate the aesthetic and spiritual beauty of worship. It is both pleasant and lovely, reflecting the character of God.

Community in Worship
Emphasize the importance of gathering with other believers to praise God. Corporate worship strengthens our faith and unity.

Praise as a Lifestyle
Encourage believers to make praise a regular part of their daily lives, not just reserved for specific times or places.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the call to praise in Psalm 147:1 influence your personal worship practices?

2. In what ways can you incorporate more praise into your daily routine, both individually and with others?

3. How does understanding the goodness and beauty of praise change your perspective on worship?

4. What are some specific attributes of God that inspire you to praise Him, and how can you express that in your life?

5. How can the practice of praise help you in times of difficulty or spiritual dryness, and what other scriptures support this idea?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 33:1-3
This passage also emphasizes the joy and beauty of praising God with music and song, reinforcing the theme of worship.

Hebrews 13:15
This New Testament verse encourages believers to continually offer a sacrifice of praise, connecting the Old Testament practice to the life of a Christian.

1 Chronicles 16:23-25
This passage calls for declaring God's glory among the nations, similar to the call to praise in Psalm 147:1.

Revelation 19:5-6
The heavenly call to praise God, showing the eternal nature of worship and its ultimate fulfillment in heaven.
In Praise of PraiseS. Conway Psalm 147:1
The Pleasantness of PraiseR. Tuck Psalm 147:1
Worthy, Therefore, of All Praise and WorshipC. Short Psalm 147:1-6
A Praiseful SpiritPsalm 147:1-11
Genuine WorshipDavid Thomas, D. D.Psalm 147:1-11
Master Motives to PraiseW. T. Fullerton.Psalm 147:1-11
PraiseHenry Ward Beecher.Psalm 147:1-11
People
Jacob, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Beautiful, Becoming, Comely, Fitting, Gracious, Hallelujah, Jah, Melody, Pleasant, Pleasing, Praise, Praises, Psalms, Seemly, Sing, Song, Yah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 147:1

     7960   singing
     8665   praise, reasons

Psalm 147:1-17

     4060   nature

Library
Healing for the Wounded
We will not delay you by a preface, but will come at once to the two thoughts: first, here is a great ill--a broken heart; and secondly, a great mercy--"he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Man is a double being: he is composed of body and soul, and each of the portions of man may receive injury and hurt. The wounds of the body are extremely painful, and if they amount to a breaking of the frame the torture is singularly exquisite. Yet God has in his mercy provided means
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Christ's Hospital
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."--Psalm 147:3. Often as we have read this Psalm, we can never fail to be struck with the connection in which this verse stands, especially its connection with the verse that follows. Read the two together: "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names." What condescension and grandeur! What pity and omnipotence! He who leads out yonder ponderous orbs
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Anxious About Earth, or Earnest About the Kingdom
'And He said unto His disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25. And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26. If ye then be not able to do that thing
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Sermon of the Seasons
"Oh, the long and dreary Winter! Oh, the cold and cruel Winter!" We say to ourselves, Will spring-time never come? In addition to this, trade and commerce continue in a state of stagnation; crowds are out of employment, and where business is carried on, it yields little profit. Our watchmen are asked if they discern any signs of returning day, and they answer, "No." Thus we bow our heads in a common affliction, and ask each man comfort of his fellow; for as yet we see not our signs, neither does
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

The Room was Like and Oven
Sunday, 8.--We were at the minster [21] in the morning and at our parish church in the afternoon. The same gentleman preached at both; but though I saw him at the church, I did not know I had ever seen him before. In the morning he was all life and motion; in the afternoon he was as quiet as a post. At five in the evening, the rain constrained me to preach in the oven again. The patience of the congregation surprised me. They seemed not to feel the extreme heat or to be offended at the close application
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

What God Is
John iv. 24.--"God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." We have here something of the nature of God pointed out to us, and something of our duty towards him. "God is a Spirit," that is his nature, and "man must worship him," that is his duty, and that "in spirit and in truth," that is the right manner of the duty. If these three were well pondered till they did sink into the bottom of our spirits, they would make us indeed Christians, not in the letter,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

That it is Profitable to Communicate Often
The Voice of the Disciple Behold I come unto Thee, O Lord, that I may be blessed through Thy gift, and be made joyful in Thy holy feast which Thou, O God, of Thy goodness hast prepared for the poor.(1) Behold in Thee is all that I can and ought to desire, Thou art my salvation and redemption, my hope and strength, my honour and glory. Therefore rejoice the soul of Thy servant this day, for unto Thee, O Lord Jesus, do I lift up my soul.(2) I long now to receive Thee devoutly and reverently, I desire
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Prayer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAYER. WHAT is prayer? A sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God hath promised. The best prayers have often more groans than words. Alas, how few there be in the world whose heart and mouth in prayer shall go together. Dost thou, when thou askest for the Spirit, or faith, or love to God, to holiness, to saints, to the word, and the like, ask for them with love to them,
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers',
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Letter xvi to Rainald, Abbot of Foigny
To Rainald, Abbot of Foigny Bernard declares to him how little he loves praise; that the yoke of Christ is light; that he declines the name of father, and is content with that of brother. 1. In the first place, do not wonder if titles of honour affright me, when I feel myself so unworthy of the honours themselves; and if it is fitting that you should give them to me, it is not expedient for me to accept them. For if you think that you ought to observe that saying, In honour preferring one another
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments.
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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