Psalm 147:12
Exalt the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion!
Exalt the LORD
The word "exalt" in Hebrew is "רוֹמֵם" (romem), which means to lift up or to raise high. This is a call to elevate the LORD above all else, recognizing His supreme authority and majesty. In the context of ancient Israel, exalting the LORD was not just a personal act of worship but a communal declaration of God's sovereignty over the nation. Historically, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship, and exalting the LORD there signified the heart of spiritual life for the Israelites. This phrase encourages believers to prioritize God in their lives, lifting Him above all worldly concerns and acknowledging His rightful place as the King of Kings.

O Jerusalem
Jerusalem, known as "Yerushalayim" in Hebrew, holds profound significance as the city chosen by God for His dwelling place, the site of the Temple, and the spiritual center of Israel. Archaeologically, Jerusalem has been a focal point of religious activity for millennia, with evidence of its ancient walls and structures that testify to its historical and spiritual importance. In this verse, Jerusalem represents not just a physical location but the collective identity of God's people. It is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, and by extension, the Church today, as the spiritual descendants of Abraham.

praise your God
The Hebrew word for "praise" is "הַלֵּל" (hallel), from which we derive "Hallelujah," meaning "Praise the LORD." This call to praise is an invitation to express gratitude and reverence for God's goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. In the biblical context, praise was often accompanied by music, singing, and dancing, reflecting the joy and celebration of God's presence. The phrase "your God" personalizes the relationship, emphasizing that the LORD is not a distant deity but a personal God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people. This personal connection is central to the Christian faith, where believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience.

O Zion
Zion, or "צִיּוֹן" (Tziyon) in Hebrew, is often used interchangeably with Jerusalem but carries a deeper, more symbolic meaning. It represents the spiritual and eschatological hope of God's people, the place where God's presence dwells, and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. Zion is a symbol of God's eternal kingdom, a place of refuge and salvation. In the prophetic literature, Zion is depicted as the future site of God's reign and the gathering of all nations to worship Him. For Christians, Zion is a metaphor for the heavenly Jerusalem, the ultimate destination of the faithful. This phrase calls believers to look beyond the present and set their sights on the eternal promises of God, living in anticipation of His coming kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.

2. Jerusalem
The city chosen by God as the center of worship and the location of the Temple, representing the heart of Israel's spiritual life.

3. Zion
Often used interchangeably with Jerusalem, Zion specifically refers to the hill where the Temple was built, symbolizing God's presence and His covenant with His people.
Teaching Points
The Call to Worship
The verse calls for active participation in worship, reminding believers of the importance of exalting God in their lives.

Significance of Jerusalem and Zion
These locations are not just historical but hold spiritual significance, representing God's dwelling among His people and His faithfulness.

God's Faithfulness
The call to praise is rooted in God's unchanging nature and His covenant promises, encouraging believers to trust in His faithfulness.

Community Worship
The communal aspect of worship is emphasized, as the call is to the collective people of Jerusalem and Zion, highlighting the importance of corporate worship.

Spiritual Zion
For Christians, Zion represents the spiritual reality of God's kingdom, encouraging believers to live as citizens of this heavenly city.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to "exalt the LORD" in your daily life, and how can you incorporate this practice into your routine?

2. How does understanding the historical and spiritual significance of Jerusalem and Zion enhance your appreciation of this verse?

3. In what ways can you participate in community worship, and why is it important for your spiritual growth?

4. How does the concept of God's faithfulness in this verse encourage you in times of uncertainty or difficulty?

5. Reflect on the idea of a "spiritual Zion" as described in Hebrews 12. How does this perspective influence your understanding of your identity as a believer?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 48
This psalm also exalts Jerusalem and Zion, highlighting God's protection and the city's role as a place of worship.

Isaiah 52
Calls for Jerusalem to awake and put on strength, emphasizing the city's future glory and redemption.

Hebrews 12
Refers to the heavenly Jerusalem, drawing a parallel between the earthly city and the spiritual reality for believers.
Crowning Christ in City LifeW. L. Watkinson.Psalm 147:12
People
Jacob, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Glorify, Jerusalem, Laud, O, Praise, Zion
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 147:12

     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Psalm 147:1-17

     4060   nature

Psalm 147:12-14

     4542   wheat
     7271   Zion, as symbol

Library
Healing for the Wounded
We will not delay you by a preface, but will come at once to the two thoughts: first, here is a great ill--a broken heart; and secondly, a great mercy--"he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Man is a double being: he is composed of body and soul, and each of the portions of man may receive injury and hurt. The wounds of the body are extremely painful, and if they amount to a breaking of the frame the torture is singularly exquisite. Yet God has in his mercy provided means
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Christ's Hospital
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."--Psalm 147:3. Often as we have read this Psalm, we can never fail to be struck with the connection in which this verse stands, especially its connection with the verse that follows. Read the two together: "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names." What condescension and grandeur! What pity and omnipotence! He who leads out yonder ponderous orbs
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Anxious About Earth, or Earnest About the Kingdom
'And He said unto His disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25. And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26. If ye then be not able to do that thing
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Sermon of the Seasons
"Oh, the long and dreary Winter! Oh, the cold and cruel Winter!" We say to ourselves, Will spring-time never come? In addition to this, trade and commerce continue in a state of stagnation; crowds are out of employment, and where business is carried on, it yields little profit. Our watchmen are asked if they discern any signs of returning day, and they answer, "No." Thus we bow our heads in a common affliction, and ask each man comfort of his fellow; for as yet we see not our signs, neither does
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

The Room was Like and Oven
Sunday, 8.--We were at the minster [21] in the morning and at our parish church in the afternoon. The same gentleman preached at both; but though I saw him at the church, I did not know I had ever seen him before. In the morning he was all life and motion; in the afternoon he was as quiet as a post. At five in the evening, the rain constrained me to preach in the oven again. The patience of the congregation surprised me. They seemed not to feel the extreme heat or to be offended at the close application
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

What God Is
John iv. 24.--"God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." We have here something of the nature of God pointed out to us, and something of our duty towards him. "God is a Spirit," that is his nature, and "man must worship him," that is his duty, and that "in spirit and in truth," that is the right manner of the duty. If these three were well pondered till they did sink into the bottom of our spirits, they would make us indeed Christians, not in the letter,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

That it is Profitable to Communicate Often
The Voice of the Disciple Behold I come unto Thee, O Lord, that I may be blessed through Thy gift, and be made joyful in Thy holy feast which Thou, O God, of Thy goodness hast prepared for the poor.(1) Behold in Thee is all that I can and ought to desire, Thou art my salvation and redemption, my hope and strength, my honour and glory. Therefore rejoice the soul of Thy servant this day, for unto Thee, O Lord Jesus, do I lift up my soul.(2) I long now to receive Thee devoutly and reverently, I desire
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Prayer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAYER. WHAT is prayer? A sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God hath promised. The best prayers have often more groans than words. Alas, how few there be in the world whose heart and mouth in prayer shall go together. Dost thou, when thou askest for the Spirit, or faith, or love to God, to holiness, to saints, to the word, and the like, ask for them with love to them,
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers',
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Letter xvi to Rainald, Abbot of Foigny
To Rainald, Abbot of Foigny Bernard declares to him how little he loves praise; that the yoke of Christ is light; that he declines the name of father, and is content with that of brother. 1. In the first place, do not wonder if titles of honour affright me, when I feel myself so unworthy of the honours themselves; and if it is fitting that you should give them to me, it is not expedient for me to accept them. For if you think that you ought to observe that saying, In honour preferring one another
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments.
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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