Psalm 147: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 147 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls the people to praise God, stating that it is good to sing praises to him (vv. 1-2). Yahweh heals the brokenhearted and gathers the outcasts of Israel (v.

Key verse

“He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.”
Psalms 147:4 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 147:1–2 Call to Praise God
Psalm 147:3–6 God's Compassion and Justice
Psalm 147:7–11 Thanksgiving and Divine Favor
Psalm 147:12–14 God's Blessings on Jerusalem
Psalm 147:15–18 God's Sovereignty Over Creation
Psalm 147:19–20 Special Revelation to Israel

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Yahweh do for Jerusalem and Israel's outcasts?
What does v11 say Yahweh takes pleasure in?
In vv. 10-11, why does the psalmist contrast human strength with fearing Yahweh?
In v19, what does 'his statutes and his ordinances' imply about God's revelation to Israel?
When have you experienced God's 'loving kindness' in a difficult time like in v11?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 147: Psalm 34, Psalm 107, Isaiah 61.

Before next time: read Psalm 148.