Psalm 147 (146/147):8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In order to address those who may be indifferent to spiritual matters, the prophet swiftly emphasizes the benefits bestowed upon humanity, revealing the divine intention behind God's act of veiling the heavens with clouds. He states that this is done to prepare rain for you and to bring forth grass. Observe the wisdom of the prophet: he refers to the universal gifts that God has given to all, effectively silencing the voices of the foolish with striking clarity. Indeed, if God grants such kindness even to the unbelievers by gathering clouds, sending rain, and rejuvenating the earth, how much greater will His blessings be for you, who are recognized as His chosen people.

We are called to ‘Praise the Lord’ (Psalm 145:1). This invitation is extended to all nations, not exclusively to us. Each church may hear these words from the Scriptures individually, but together they resonate as the same divine call for us to offer our praise to God. If we were to inquire about the reason for this praise, the response would be clear: Praise the Lord, for the psalm is good. Is this truly the extent of the reward for those who praise? The psalm itself serves as a testament to God's glory. Therefore, we are instructed to praise Him because it is beneficial to do so. We must remain steadfast in our praise, rather than allowing it to fade as we shift our focus to other pursuits. When distractions arise, does our worship cease? Certainly not. Our voices may sing His praises momentarily, but let our lives be a continual offering of praise. The psalm is good.

A psalm is defined as a song, specifically one that comes from the psalter, which is much like a musical instrument such as the lyre or harp. The act of singing psalms involves not just vocal expression but also accompaniment by these instruments, thus merging voice and labor in harmony. When engaging in this form of worship, let not just your voice extol God's praises; let also your actions align with the melody of your words. While it is pleasing to sing, let your heart and life echo that praise too. As you partake of food and drink, let your actions reflect moderation, as the Apostle instructs: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). If through excess and insatiable desire you cross natural boundaries and indulge, despite your vocal praise, your life may inadvertently bring dishonor to God. After your meals, approach rest with purity; do not bring impurity into your bed or stray from God’s commandments. Your marital union should reflect honor and restraint, affirming the dignity of your spouse, as "in your bed, honor your wife" (1 Peter 3:7). For both of you are co-heirs of Christ, shaped by His creation and renewed through His sacrifice— therefore, let your lives continually offer praise.

What happens when dreams visit us? Let not a troubled conscience disturb your rest, for the innocence of your sleep can also glorify God. Let our praise be a delight to Him. How so? By living righteously. Indeed, genuine praise derives from a good life. Scripture states, "It is not fitting for the mouth of a sinner to praise" (Sirach 15:9). Thus, if praise from a sinful mouth is neither suitable nor welcomed, what is pleasing is only what is appropriate. Human praise may appeal when articulated with eloquence, sensitivity, and fine vocal quality, yet true worship reaches beyond mere utterances; it must come from a heart aligned with God’s will.

Who is God, that our praise should please Him? He shows us His sweetness; His grace is accessible to us. In His humility, "God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Let us reflect on the type of praise that the Apostle discusses—the praise grounded in the fact that Christ died for both sinners and the ungodly. The Lord is building Zion and gathering the dispersed of Israel (Psalm 145:2). The citizens of Jerusalem are indeed the children of Israel, representing the eternal, heavenly Jerusalem, of which the angels are also denizens. Every inhabitant of that divine city rejoices in the presence of God. Yet, we find ourselves estranged from that city due to sin, unable to remain there, burdened by mortality that keeps us from returning. Yet, God looks upon our wandering, and in His desire to rebuild what has fallen, He sent His Son as our Redeemer to rescue our captives. He instructed, "Take with you a bag, carrying the price of the captives." He took on our mortal flesh, shedding His blood for our redemption. With this sacrifice, He gathered the dispersed of Israel. If He has reclaimed those who once wandered, how are we to ensure that those who are presently lost are gathered? Those who were scattered are transformed in the hands of the Builder; how shall we appeal to those who, through their unrest, have strayed from His guidance? This is the one we praise; this is our lifelong commitment to praise.

How does He gather? What is His method of restoration? "He heals the brokenhearted" (Psalm 145:3). Observe how the scattered people of Israel are reunited through the healing of broken hearts. Those who are unbroken remain in their wounds. So what is a wounded heart? Let it be known, brothers, that this healing is essential. Scripture teaches us: "God's sacrifice is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, God will not despise." He seeks to heal the wounded heart by drawing near to it; as is stated elsewhere, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." Who are those with wounded hearts? The humble. And who are the unscathed? The proud. The brokenhearted will find healing, while those full of pride will be humbled. Therefore, let us not wish our hearts to remain unbroken before they are healed. It is detrimental to elevate anything that has yet to be made straight.

By what means does He mend their bruises? Just as a physician binds fractures. Consider this familiar scenario; physicians sometimes break the healthy yet twisted members to restore proper alignment, creating a new wound to correct the flawed integrity.

What tools does He employ to bind? It is through the sacraments of this present life that we find solace. All that is said in the church, every word that is spoken, serves as the means for Him to bind our wounds. Just as a physician removes a bandage when healing is complete, in the New Jerusalem, when we are united with the angels, will we still require the Gospel to nurture our faith? Or a bishop's laying on of hands? These acts are interim means, and once we have achieved complete healing, they will no longer be necessary; yet without them, we would not have achieved completeness.

"He counts the number of the stars and gives them all their names" (Psalm 146:4). What an astonishing thing for God to number the stars! Although humans have attempted such calculations, it ultimately matters little in God's sight. Perhaps He mentions the stars merely to retain their count? Is it significant for Him to account for stars when He also knows the number of hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30)? The stars symbolize the bearers of light in the Church, illuminating our darkness, as the Apostle notes: "Among a crooked and perverse generation, you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life" (Philippians 2:15). These stars are counted by God; all who will reign with Him, those gathered into the Body of His beloved Son, are numbered and continuously affirmed. Those unworthy do not even make the count. Many may believe they are part of His people; some may even have a semblance of faith, but He knows who is truly counted and who is sifted out. The Gospel’s reach is profound, and as it was proclaimed, “They are more numerous than can be counted.” Thus, there are some among the followers who could be termed supernumeraries—those exceeding the number who will inhabit the heavenly kingdom. Let each reflect on their own light in the darkness, and whether they resist being led astray by the world’s wickedness. Those who remain steadfast will shine like stars that God is already counting. He calls them all by name, and therein lies our reward. We may hold specific names before God and desire that He acknowledges us. Let this drive our actions, avoiding pride in other matters, even in spiritual gifts. When the disciples returned from their mission, rejoicing that "even the demons submit to us in Your name" (Luke 10:17), He cautioned them, "Do not rejoice in that the spirits submit to you; rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20).

"Great is our Lord" (Psalm 146:5). The psalmist, filled with joy, poured forth articulate praises, yet struggles to fully articulate his thoughts. What good comes from simply contemplating His greatness? His power is vast, His understanding boundless. The one who numbers the stars cannot Himself be numbered. Who can truly grasp the depths of His greatness and understanding? All that is infinite exists within this world, yet it remains finite to humanity; it cannot be fully articulated. Only God knows the full extent of creation, as He has deemed all things according to measure, number, and weight (Wisdom 11:20). Who can count or measure what He has created? Thus, His understanding is truly unfathomable. Let human voices be silent and quiet our thoughts; do not attempt to comprehend the incomprehensible. Rather, strive for participation in divine grace, becoming worthy communicants of the sacred mysteries.

"The Lord speaks tenderly" (Psalm 145:6). You may not yet understand His truths; do not be quick to criticize the Scripture, but rather approach it with reverence and patience, awaiting understanding. Do not hastily accuse it of contradictions, for nothing within it contradicts. There may be obscurity, intended not to hinder, but to stimulate deeper inquiry and understanding that comes through persistent seeking. If the truth seems elusive, it presents an opportunity to knock and ask for revelation; through this practice, you will grow. Do not resent the challenges posed by the text; approach them humbly. The Almighty takes the meek into His confidence and brings humility to the proud.

"Begin to confess to the Lord" (Psalm 145:7). Start here if you wish to encounter the truth. Transition from mere belief to an honest confession. Begin by examining yourself and praising God. What follows confession? Good deeds. Sing to God with not just your voice but with actions that reflect your faith.

"He covers the sky with clouds, and prepares rain for the earth" (Psalm 146:8). If you are troubled by cloudiness, remember that after the rain, you will gather the fruits and see clear skies. God may have done this very thing. Were it not for the veiled nature of Scripture, you might not rejoice in its depth. God intentionally cloaked the heavens of Scripture with imagery, enabling the words of the Prophets to resonate more profoundly. Through this obscurity, His servants might experience revelations that penetrate the hearts of men—offering spiritual joy from the clouds of God's wisdom.

"He causes grass to grow on the mountains, and herbs for the service of mankind" (Psalm 146:9). Consider the implication of this sustenance; it is remarkable that grass thrives even on rugged mountain peaks, a testament to God's providence. Paul himself affirms this, saying, "For we are your servants for Jesus' sake" (2 Corinthians 4:5). He who spoke of spiritual sowing claimed a servant's role, reminding us to carry the responsibility of humility. Let none of us elevate ourselves, but rather value humility above status.

God provides for the livestock. He does not deprive His flock, nor does He neglect even the young ravens. Would we think that such creatures do not cry out to Him for sustenance? One cannot imagine that an unintelligent being calls upon God; rather, knowing who is capable of seeking Him. Do not entertain the notion that human souls migrate into animals; this is a distortion of our faith. Humans are made in the image of God and should not be imagined as inferior beings.

The young ravens must be understood in context. The Israelites falsely believed that their righteousness came from the Law alone, considering all others as sinners. Yet, those outsiders once steeped in idolatry have turned to the true God, while the original raven children, blind to their heritage, have since awakened. Those who once worshipped their forebears now call upon the one true God.

The expanse above us cannot be entirely covered by clouds. Yet, there exists another heaven along with different clouds. ‘Thy truth is even unto the clouds’ (Psalm 35:6). Does God’s truth extend only to the clouds that are swiftly scattered by the wind? The essence of God's truth is found in Christ. ‘I am the way, and the life, and the truth’ (John 14:6). Can it be that the truth of Christ resides within these ephemeral clouds devoid of true substance? Is it conceivable that truth lies wherever the wind blows? ‘I will command the clouds not to rain upon them’ (Isaiah 5:6), referring to the people of Israel. The clouds symbolize the prophets; the Lord instructed them not to rain down upon Israel. The prophetic voices are directed towards us.

He who adorns the heavens with clouds and sends forth rain upon the earth demonstrates His might and benevolence. As a loving and compassionate Creator, He attentively cares for the creation, while as the Almighty, He elevates the waters, concealing the sky, creating a kind of refuge between heaven and earth through the formation of clouds, which provide nourishment to the land. The Prophet highlights this bounty: grass for the wise upon the mountains and grain for humanity's sustenance. He nourishes not only the fields cultivated by humans but also the rugged mountains and arid regions, providing sustenance for the livestock that graze upon them, all for the benefit of humanity, for He has decreed that livestock are to serve mankind.

To the one who adorns the heavens with clouds and prepares the rains for the earth, to Him who causes the grass to flourish upon the mountains and provides grain for humanity’s sustenance, who nourishes the livestock; sing praises to the Lord who blankets the sky with clouds for the purpose of watering the earth. He sends the rain that fosters the growth of herbs and grasses, created to sustain both tame and wild creatures. As noted in Psalms 103:13, He waters the mountains from His lofty heights. If God provides for the mountains and hills, how much more abundant is the earth He cultivates? If He pays attention to the silent creatures, is He not even more attentive to those endowed with speech—namely, humans, for whom He also created the speaking animals?

Once more, he urges the Israelites to exalt the Lord and simultaneously provides the reasons for such praise, presenting clear evidence of God's might, benevolence, and wisdom. The term ‘begin’ implies an ongoing act of worship, repeated time and again. He methodically explains that God adorns the heavens with clouds, not to enshroud them in darkness, but to supply essential rain to the earth, which is vital for the sustenance of life. This occurrence should awaken our senses from their drowsiness; if the heavens remained perpetually clear, God’s power would be unmistakably evident. This is particularly true when He suddenly enshrouds the sky in clouds, obscuring the sun’s brilliance and altering the earth’s appearance.

This psalm was composed following the Babylonian exile, likely during the latter part of Nehemiah's leadership, a time when he was particularly focused on rebuilding and reinforcing Jerusalem. By the time this psalm was penned, Jerusalem appears to have been restored, and the people who had been dispersed among the nations had returned to their homeland, their wounds having been healed. For these blessings, Israel should express gratitude to the Lord, the all-knowing and all-powerful One, whose nature includes the grace to show compassion to the humble while holding the oppressors accountable. Hence, Israel ought to honor the Lord appropriately.