God’s enduring promise to care for His people remains a source of great hope for believers today.
“The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel.” (v.2) Here, the Psalmist highlights the compassionate power of God in restoring and strengthening His chosen city—Jerusalem. Historically, Jerusalem is a city located in the southern part of the central mountain range in the region of Judea, which is in present-day Israel. It is significant for being the religious and political center for the Israelites, who date their origins to the call of Abram in approximately 2000 BC (Genesis 12:1-3). The word builds in this verse conveys a sense of divine establishment and fortification, suggesting that the well-being and security of Jerusalem comes directly from the LORD’s active involvement.
“He gathers the outcasts of Israel.” (v.2) emphasizes God’s heart for those who are marginalized or displaced. This likely points to the historic periods when Israel was exiled or subject to foreign domination, such as the Babylonian exile around 586 BC. It speaks to God’s faithful promise to bring His people back to their homeland and restore them to fellowship. This act of gathering in the displaced foreshadows the welcoming arms of Jesus in the New Testament, who calls all people—regardless of their background—into His redemptive embrace (Matthew 11:28-30).
Ultimately, Psalm 147:2 underscores the LORD’s commitment to His people. He is not distant or uninvolved; rather, He is personally building up and defending the city they call home and reuniting those who have been forced apart, just as He does within the church today through the unity found in Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22).
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Psalms 147:2 meaning
“The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel.” (v.2) Here, the Psalmist highlights the compassionate power of God in restoring and strengthening His chosen city—Jerusalem. Historically, Jerusalem is a city located in the southern part of the central mountain range in the region of Judea, which is in present-day Israel. It is significant for being the religious and political center for the Israelites, who date their origins to the call of Abram in approximately 2000 BC (Genesis 12:1-3). The word builds in this verse conveys a sense of divine establishment and fortification, suggesting that the well-being and security of Jerusalem comes directly from the LORD’s active involvement.
“He gathers the outcasts of Israel.” (v.2) emphasizes God’s heart for those who are marginalized or displaced. This likely points to the historic periods when Israel was exiled or subject to foreign domination, such as the Babylonian exile around 586 BC. It speaks to God’s faithful promise to bring His people back to their homeland and restore them to fellowship. This act of gathering in the displaced foreshadows the welcoming arms of Jesus in the New Testament, who calls all people—regardless of their background—into His redemptive embrace (Matthew 11:28-30).
Ultimately, Psalm 147:2 underscores the LORD’s commitment to His people. He is not distant or uninvolved; rather, He is personally building up and defending the city they call home and reuniting those who have been forced apart, just as He does within the church today through the unity found in Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22).