Psalms 147:10
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He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
This is another psalm of praise. Some think it was penned after the return of the Jews from their captivity; but it is so much of a piece with Ps. 145 that I rather think it was penned by David, and what is said (Psa 147:2, Psa 147:13) may well enough be applied to the first building and fortifying of Jerusalem in his time, and the gathering in of those that had been out-casts in Saul's time. The Septuagint divides it into two; and we may divide it into the first and second part, but both of the same import. I. We are called upon to praise God (Psa 147:1, Psa 147:7, Psa 147:12). II. We are furnished with matter for praise, for God is to be glorified, 1. As the God of nature, and so he is very great (Psa 147:4, Psa 147:5, Psa 147:8, Psa 147:9, Psa 147:15-18). 2. As the God of grace, comforting his people (Psa 147:3, Psa 147:6, Psa 147:10, Psa 147:11). 3. As the God of Israel, Jerusalem, and Zion, settling their civil state (Psa 147:2, Psa 147:13, Psa 147:14), and especially settling religion among them (Psa 147:19, Psa 147:20). It is easy, in singing this psalm, to apply it to ourselves, both as to personal and national mercies, were it but as easy to do so with suitable affections.
Open source ↗147:10-11 human might: Any physical or intellectual achievement is a gift from the Lord, just like the strength of a horse. These gifts are a reason to praise the Lord, not to boast (Jer 9:23-24).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all.
Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will save them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God.”
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.