Log inSign up

Psalm 147 · a question people ask

"He has not done this for just any nation" (147:20). Does the psalm mean God doesn't care about the other nations?

In the text

The psalm says what the LORD has done for Israel: "He shows his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel" (147:19), and "He has not done this for just any nation. They don’t know his ordinances" (147:20). It says nothing more about them. Deuteronomy asks a question with the same Hebrew words for nation, statutes and ordinances: "What great nation is there that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you today?" (Deuteronomy 4:8). The same psalm also says the LORD sends his commandment "to the earth" (147:15), and gives food to the livestock and the ravens (147:9). Other psalms call the nations to praise: "Praise the LORD, all you nations!" (Psalm 117:1), and say, "The LORD is good to all" (Psalm 145:9). These notes say no more about the nations than the psalm does, and pass no verdict on any people today.

The verses

“He shows his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. He has not done this for just any nation. They don’t know his ordinances. Praise the LORD!”
Psalm 147:19-20 · World English Bible
“What great nation is there that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you today?”
Deuteronomy 4:8 · World English Bible
“He provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call.”
Psalm 147:9 · World English Bible
“He sends out his commandment to the earth. His word runs very swiftly.”
Psalm 147:15 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 147

Psalm 147: He heals the broken in heart

Psalm 147 sets the one who "heals the broken in heart" (147:3) right beside the one who "counts the number of the stars" (147:4), and its "His understanding is infinite" (147:5) is, in Hebrew, there is no number, the same word as the stars' number. In Hebrew, the word that melts the snow (147:18) and the word he shows to Jacob (147:19) are the same word, davar.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekPsalm 147 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Psalm 147

All questions about Psalms →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions