God bestows His special favor on those who revere Him in humility and confidently rest in His unwavering, faithful love.
Psalm 147 is widely understood as a celebration of God’s goodness and might, offering believers many reasons to praise Him. In the midst of this psalm, verse 11 declares, “The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness” (v.11). These words emphasize that God’s special pleasure rests on those who hold Him in reverence while placing their hope in His steadfast love. Throughout Scripture, “the fear of the LORD” includes having a healthy, awe-filled recognition of God’s unsurpassed holiness and authority, a perspective the book of Proverbs calls “the beginning of knowledge”. Such reverence opens our hearts to receive His guidance and goodness rather than depending on our own limited understanding.
In this verse, the phrase those who wait for His lovingkindness highlights that the Lord’s favor extends to believers who humbly expect His faithful, loyal compassion. The Hebrew term often rendered as “lovingkindness” is חֶסֶד (hesed), which carries a joyful blend of mercy, steadfast devotion, and beneficent care. Psalm 147:11 reminds us that God greatly treasures those who trust in His hesed, believing that He will fulfill His promises at the right time and in the best way possible.
Importantly, the psalmist connects fear—or reverent awe—of the Lord with patient hope in the Lord’s unchanging devotion. In the New Testament, we see this lived out as Jesus Christ beckons believers to abide in Him and rest in His sacrifice, demonstrating the Father’s gracious heart (Romans 5:8). Thus, Psalm 147:11 anticipates the grand theme of redemption: a holy God who delights in the devotion of His people and blesses them as they place their entire hope in His goodness.
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Psalms 147:11 meaning
Psalm 147 is widely understood as a celebration of God’s goodness and might, offering believers many reasons to praise Him. In the midst of this psalm, verse 11 declares, “The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness” (v.11). These words emphasize that God’s special pleasure rests on those who hold Him in reverence while placing their hope in His steadfast love. Throughout Scripture, “the fear of the LORD” includes having a healthy, awe-filled recognition of God’s unsurpassed holiness and authority, a perspective the book of Proverbs calls “the beginning of knowledge”. Such reverence opens our hearts to receive His guidance and goodness rather than depending on our own limited understanding.
In this verse, the phrase those who wait for His lovingkindness highlights that the Lord’s favor extends to believers who humbly expect His faithful, loyal compassion. The Hebrew term often rendered as “lovingkindness” is חֶסֶד (hesed), which carries a joyful blend of mercy, steadfast devotion, and beneficent care. Psalm 147:11 reminds us that God greatly treasures those who trust in His hesed, believing that He will fulfill His promises at the right time and in the best way possible.
Importantly, the psalmist connects fear—or reverent awe—of the Lord with patient hope in the Lord’s unchanging devotion. In the New Testament, we see this lived out as Jesus Christ beckons believers to abide in Him and rest in His sacrifice, demonstrating the Father’s gracious heart (Romans 5:8). Thus, Psalm 147:11 anticipates the grand theme of redemption: a holy God who delights in the devotion of His people and blesses them as they place their entire hope in His goodness.