Psalm 147:20 - It is Good to Sing Praises

Audio Bible

Context

It is Good to Sing Praises
…19He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel. 20He has done this for no other nation; they do not know His judgments. Hallelujah!

Cross References

Deuteronomy 4:7-8
For what nation is great enough to have a god as near to them as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him? / And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?Romans 3:1-2
What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? / Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.Amos 3:2
“Only you have I known from all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.”Deuteronomy 7:6
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth.Romans 9:4-5
the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. / Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen.Exodus 19:5-6
Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. / And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”Isaiah 63:19
We have become like those You never ruled, like those not called by Your name.Ephesians 2:12
remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.Deuteronomy 32:9
But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance.Acts 14:16
In past generations, He let all nations go their own way.1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.Deuteronomy 33:29
Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places.”Matthew 10:5-6
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. / Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.2 Samuel 7:23-24
And who is like Your people Israel—the one nation on earth whom God went out to redeem as a people for Himself and to make a name for Himself? You performed great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before Your people, whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt. / For You have established Your people Israel as Your very own forever, and You, O LORD, have become their God.John 4:22
You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

Deuteronomy 4:32-34
For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it? …

Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Isaiah 5:1-7
Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: …

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Psalm 147

He has done this for no other nation;
This phrase highlights the unique relationship between God and Israel. In the Old Testament, Israel is often depicted as God's chosen people, set apart from other nations (Deuteronomy 7:6). This exclusivity is seen in the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, which was a covenant specifically with Israel (Exodus 19:5-6). The phrase underscores the special privileges and responsibilities that came with being God's chosen nation, including receiving His laws, guidance, and protection. Historically, Israel's distinct identity was maintained through practices such as circumcision, dietary laws, and Sabbath observance, which set them apart from surrounding nations.

they do not know His judgments.
The "judgments" refer to God's laws and decrees, which were revealed to Israel through the Torah. Other nations did not receive this direct revelation, which is why they are described as not knowing His judgments. This lack of knowledge often led to idolatry and practices contrary to God's will, as seen in the Canaanite nations that Israel encountered. The phrase also implies a lack of understanding of God's righteous standards and the moral and ethical guidelines that were intended to lead Israel into a life of holiness. In the New Testament, the concept of knowing God’s judgments is expanded to include all believers through the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles (Romans 2:12-16).

Hallelujah!
This exclamation of praise, meaning "Praise the Lord," is a call to worship and gratitude for God's unique relationship with Israel. It serves as a reminder of the privilege of knowing God and His ways. In the broader biblical context, "Hallelujah" is used in the Psalms and Revelation to express joy and thanksgiving for God's mighty acts and faithfulness (Revelation 19:1-6). It reflects a response of worship not only for what God has done for Israel but also for His ongoing work in the world through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and opens the way for all nations to know God (Matthew 5:17, Galatians 3:28).

Persons / Places / Events

1. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, God is the one who has given His laws and judgments to Israel, setting them apart from other nations.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God to receive His laws and judgments, highlighting their unique relationship with Him.

3. Other Nations
Refers to the Gentile nations who have not received God's laws and judgments in the same way Israel has.

4. Judgments (Mishpatim)
The Hebrew term "mishpatim" refers to God's ordinances or laws, which were given specifically to Israel.

5. Hallelujah
A Hebrew word meaning "Praise the Lord," used here to conclude the verse with a call to worship and gratitude.

Teaching Points

The Privilege of Revelation
Israel's receipt of God's laws is a profound privilege, underscoring the importance of valuing and adhering to divine revelation.

God's Sovereign Choice
God's selection of Israel demonstrates His sovereign will and purpose, reminding us of His authority and the grace extended to His people.

Praise as a Response
The call to "Hallelujah" encourages believers to respond to God's unique gifts and revelations with praise and worship.

Understanding God's Judgments
While Israel was uniquely chosen, believers today are called to seek understanding of God's judgments through Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

Inclusivity of the Gospel
Although the verse highlights Israel's unique position, the New Testament reveals the inclusivity of the Gospel, inviting all nations to know God through Christ.

(20) Any nation.--This boast in Israel's peculiar and exclusive privilege may be compared with Deuteronomy 4:7; Deuteronomy 32:32-41.

Judgments.--Here plainly not manifestations of wrath; but, as so frequently in Psalms 119, the display of righteousness towards Israel.

Verse 20. - He hath not dealt so with any nation. Though the Word of God, to a certain extent, "lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (John 1:9), yet this light of nature is not to be compared to the revelation vouchsafed to Israel. Israel was God's "peculiar people," and had peculiar privileges, which involved special responsibilities. And as for his judgments, they (i.e. the nations) have not known them (comp. Amos 3:2, "You only have I known out of all the families of the earth: therefore will I visit upon you all your iniquities"). Praise ye the Lord (comp. ver. 1).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

He has done
עָ֤שָׂה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

this
כֵ֨ן ׀ (ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

for no other
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

nation;
גּ֗וֹי (gō·w)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

they do not
בַּל־ (bal-)
Adverb
Strong's 1077: A failure, nothing, not at all, lest

know
יְדָע֗וּם (yə·ḏā·‘ūm)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

His judgments.
וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֥ים (ū·miš·pā·ṭîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

Hallelujah!
הַֽלְלוּ־ (hal·lū-)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1984: To shine

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Psalm 147:20 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 147:20 He has not done this for just (Psalm Ps Psa.)