Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 147

Psalms 135:3 is plainly before the poet in this verse; and yet, since Psalms 33:0 is in other respects his model, it is extremely doubtful whether we should change the reading to make a complete correspondence between the verses, or suppose that the alteration was intentional, in accordance with praise is comely for the upright in Psalms 33:1. (See Notes on both the passages; compare also Psalms 92:1.)

Build up— that is, of course, “rebuild.” The word “outcasts,” which is used in Isaiah 11:12; Isaiah 56:8, shows that the rebuilding after the captivity is intended. The Septuagint and Vulgate have “dispersion”; Symmachus, “those thrust out.”

Broken in heart.— As in Psalm 34:18. (Compare Isaiah 61:1.)

Wounds.— See margin, and compare Job 9:28; Proverbs 15:13.

Stars. This proof of God’s power to help, by reference to the stars of heaven, which are beyond human ability to count, much less to name, but which the Almighty both counts and names, seems introduced rather abruptly, but the train of thought is clear. To assemble the dispersed of Israel, however numerous and scattered, was easy for the Ruler of the hosts of heaven. The original promise to Abraham was, of course, in the psalmist’s mind, but even more so Isaiah 40:26-28, from which the expression may have been taken. The dramatic phrase Lift your eyes on high and behold (Isaiah 40:26) supplies the necessary link for the abrupt introduction of this thought in the psalm.

Of great power.—Literally, abounding in power.

Infinite.—Literally, without number. (See Note, Psalms 145:3, and Isaiah 40:28; that prophetic passage being still in the poet’s mind, though the expression is changed.)