Psalm 147 – 148 … Consider Him Whose Word Runs Very Swiftly

Originally posted: 12/19/2020

He sends forth His command to the earth;
His word runs very swiftly, (147:15).

The last five psalms (146-150) of the Psalter all begin alike, with the same three words exhorting all of God’s creation to “Praise the Lord!”

And in today’s call to praise, in both Psalms 147 and 148, there is an emphasis on His Word. The book of Psalms, a compilation of poetic prayers intended to be sung, often uses poetic devices to enhance and intensify the mood and meaning of the psalm. And I kept being drawn back to this personification of His Word that Runs Very Swiftly.

When God speaks, amazing things happen… immediately! And that is an encouraging and comforting thought that is definitely worthy of Praise! Today as we consider Him Whose Word Runs Very Swiftly, may we stand in awe and “Praise the Lord!”

Consider Him Whose Word Runs Very Swiftly

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… comforting all those in need.
  • The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
    He gathers the outcasts of Israel.
    ³ He heals the brokenhearted
    And binds up their wounds, (147:2-3).

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… governing the stars.
  • He counts the number of the stars;
    He gives names to all of them, (147:4).

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… abundant in strength and infinite in understanding.
  • Great is our Lord and abundant in strength;
    His understanding is infinite, (147:5).

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… sending His sustenance for the earth.
  • Who covers the heavens with clouds,
    Who provides rain for the earth,
    Who makes grass to grow on the mountains, (147:8).

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… shining His favor and lovingkindness on those who trust and fear Him.
  • He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
    He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.
    ¹¹ The Lord favors those who fear Him,
    Those who wait for His lovingkindness, (147:10-11).

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… strengthening with peace and prosperity.
  • For He has strengthened the bars of your gates;
    He has blessed your sons within you.
    ¹⁴ He makes peace in your borders;
    He satisfies you with the finest of the wheat, (147:13-14).

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… making known His covenant promises.
  • He declares His words to Jacob,
    His statutes and His ordinances to Israel.
    ²⁰ He has not dealt thus with any nation;
    And as for His ordinances, they have not known them.
    Praise the Lord! (147:19-20).

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… fulfilling His commands in the heavens.
  • Praise Him, highest heavens,
    And the waters that are above the heavens!
    ⁵ Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    For He commanded and they were created, (148:4-5).

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… fulfilling His commands over all the earth.
  • Praise the Lord from the earth,
    Sea monsters and all deeps
    ⁸ Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
    Stormy wind, fulfilling His word…
    ¹¹ Kings of the earth and all peoples;
    Princes and all judges of the earth;
    ¹² Both young men and virgins;
    Old men and children, (148:7-8, 11-12).

• His Word Runs Very Swiftly… sending His power and dignity to a people who are near to Him.
  • And He has lifted up a horn for His people,
    Praise for all His godly ones;
    Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him.
    Praise the Lord! (148:14).

How do we respond to Him Whose Word Runs Very Swiftly?

There is not one Word He speaks that does not Run Very Swiftly to achieve His good and perfect Will. And that should just never cease to amaze us. And in that state of constant wonder, how can we not praise Him? And when we do, the Lord says that it is good and pleasant and becoming.

Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
For it is pleasant and praise is becoming. (147:1).

From Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

Good: “2896. טוֹב ṭôḇ,  טוֹבָה ṭôḇāh,  טֹבָה ṭōḇāh: An adjective meaning good, well-pleasing, fruitful, morally correct…”

Pleasant: “5273. נָעִים nāʿiym: I. An adjective meaning pleasant, delightful. It is used of persons who are pleasing, a joy to be around. They display attitudes that please others…”

Becoming: “5000. נָאוֶה nāʾweh: An adjective depicting something as beautiful, fitting. It depicts what is appropriate… It points out what is pleasant, lovely, beautiful…”

Oh, may we live a fruitful and well-pleasing life that would be a delight both to the Lord and those around us. Let us pray that we would become a beautiful depiction of one who knows and trusts Him Who is exalted and glorious as we sing the praises of Him Whose Word Runs Very Swiftly

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above earth and heaven. (148:13).

Let’s Grow Together!