Psalm 147
He heals the brokenhearted
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Psalm 147 praises the LORD, who builds up Jerusalem and gathers its exiles. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name." He sends rain, makes grass grow, and feeds the young ravens when they call. His word runs swiftly: he spreads snow like wool, and with another word melts it away.
Where it is in the Bible: Psalm 147
Before You Read
What it is. One of the five "Hallelujah psalms" at the end of the book of Psalms (146-150).
When it was written. Likely after the exile, when God brought his people home and Jerusalem's walls were rebuilt (147:2, 147:13).
What it's about. The God who counts the stars also heals broken hearts. He sends the snow and feeds baby ravens.
When the church sings it. On the Second Sunday of Christmas.
Map of the Psalm
| Section | Verses | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| 1. He Heals the Brokenhearted | 147:1-6 | The God of the stars cares for the hurting |
| 2. He Feeds the Ravens | 147:7-11 | God provides for all creation |
| 3. His Word Runs Swiftly | 147:12-20 | Snow, frost, and God's word to his people |
Section by Section
Section 1 of 3He Heals the Brokenhearted
"Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God" (147:1).
"The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel" (147:2).
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (147:3).
"He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name" (147:4).
The God who names every star bandages broken hearts.
"Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit" (147:5).
Section 2 of 3He Feeds the Ravens
Sing to God with thanks and music.
He covers the sky with clouds, sends rain, and makes grass grow.
"He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call" (147:9).
God isn't impressed by strong horses or strong legs.
"The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion" (147:11).
Section 3 of 3His Word Runs Swiftly
"Exalt the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion!" (147:12).
God protects the city, blesses its children, and gives peace and good food.
"He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly" (147:15).
"He spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes" (147:16).
Then he speaks again, and everything melts and flows.
God gave his word to his people Israel.
Meaning
What does it mean?
Read It
What Does This Mean?
| The text says | It means |
|---|---|
| "He gathers the exiles" (147:2) | God brings his scattered people home. |
| "He heals the brokenhearted" (147:3) | God cares for people in deep pain. |
| "He calls them each by name" (147:4) | God knows every star, and every person. |
| "For the young ravens when they call" (147:9) | God feeds even the smallest creatures. |
| "Who hope in His loving devotion" (147:11) | God delights in people who trust his love. |
| "His word runs swiftly" (147:15) | God's word does what he says, fast. |
Back Then
Ravens were considered unclean birds (Leviticus 11:15). God feeds them anyway. Jesus said the same: "Consider the ravens" (Luke 12:24).
Snow falls in Jerusalem only some winters. It was a sign of God's wonder.
Literal Reader Alert
Does God really count stars? It's a way of saying God knows and rules all of creation, even what we can't count.
Why sing this at Christmas? At Christmas, God's Word came to earth "swiftly" and became flesh (John 1:14).
How People Feel
| Who | Feeling | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The brokenhearted | Healed | God binds up their wounds (147:3) |
| The young ravens | Fed | God answers their call (147:9) |
| God's people | Joyful | Praise the LORD! (147:1) |
For you
What does it mean for me?
Your Turn
What do you need from God today? Tap one.
My heart is broken
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
I feel lost in a big world
He calls every star by name. He knows yours.
I'm worried about having enough
He feeds the young ravens when they call.
I feel weak
God isn't looking for strength. He delights in those who hope in his love.
You Might Have Heard
"God is too busy running the universe to notice me."
What's true: God runs the universe.
What the passage is mainly about: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars" (147:3-4). The same God does both.
Where Jesus is: He is God's Word who came to earth, and he came to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18).
Good News
The God of the stars knows you by name.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (147:3).
He gathers exiles, feeds ravens, and delights in those who hope in his love.
The God who names every star heals the brokenhearted. He feeds the ravens, sends his word, and delights in those who hope in his love.
Big Idea
Hallelujah! The God who counts and names the stars heals the brokenhearted, feeds the young ravens, and sends his word swiftly over the earth.
If this passage brings up big feelings, talk with someone you trust, like a parent, pastor, or counselor.
For leaders and parentsLuther, church readings, and notes for teaching.
From Luther
Luther said God's word is never idle. When God speaks, things happen, like snow melting at his command.
In Church
Many churches follow the Revised Common Lectionary. It sings Psalm 147 on the Second Sunday of Christmas in all three years, and on the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany in Year B.
We quote Luther for what he got right about grace. He also wrote terrible things about Jewish people. Read our note on that.
Memorize
How do I keep it?
One line from this story to learn by heart. Practice a little now. It will come back later so it sticks.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
How did that feel?
Using this at church
Read in church on
- Second Sunday of Christmas Year A · Year B · Year CPsalm, Psalm 147:12-20
- Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Year BPsalm, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
For a newsletter or sermon notes
Psalm 147, explained in plain words. The God who names every star also heals broken hearts and feeds the young ravens. About 6 minutes. https://freescripture.org/stories/psalm-147/
Lines for the next eight Sundays, on Digital Lutheran Church