Psalms 147:11
The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The concept of 'fear of the LORD' (yirat YHWH) is foundational to biblical theology, appearing in Proverbs, Job, and throughout the Psalter. This verse articulates the theological synthesis: proper fear of God coexists with hope in His mercy. During the exile and post-exilic periods, when God's power was not evident in political/military terms, maintaining both proper reverence and confident hope was spiritually demanding. The phrase 'hope in his mercy' (chesed) echoes the covenant theology that sustained Israel through dispersion. In later Jewish thought, the combination of 'fear of heaven' (yirat shamayim) with trust in divine benevolence became the essence of piety. The Kiddushin tractate of the Talmud (42a) discusses who inherits the world to come, consistently emphasizing those who combine proper fear with genuine kindness. In Christian tradition, this verse pointed to the security of believers who, fearing God appropriately, could nonetheless approach Him with confidence through Christ's mediation (Ephesians 3:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How can fear of God (reverent awe) coexist with hope in His mercy without one undermining the other?
- What does it mean that 'The LORD taketh pleasure' in those who fear Him - what is God's emotional response to human reverence?
- Why does the psalm pair 'fear' with 'hope in mercy' rather than pairing 'fear' with 'obedience' or 'hope' with 'love'?
- In what ways does the character of those who fear God and trust His mercy inform our understanding of righteousness?
- How should believers today understand and practice the 'fear of the LORD' in light of New Testament revelation of God's love?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals the specific orientation of God's favor: 'The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.' The phrase 'taketh pleasure' (Hebrew 'ratzah') indicates divine delight and approval. 'In them that fear him' employs 'fear' (yirah) in the biblical sense not of terror but of reverent awe and respect. The parallel 'in those that hope in his mercy' (yachelu le-chesdo) establishes that fear of God and hope in His mercy are not opposites but complementary. Those who reverence God appropriately also trust in His kindness. This verse answers a crucial question: what kind of people please God? Not the powerful or wealthy, but those who combine proper fear with confident trust. The pairing of fear and hope suggests a mature spirituality that neither despises God's authority nor doubts His benevolence. Divine pleasure (ratzah) is closely linked in biblical thought to acceptance and favor. Those who combine reverent awe with trust in mercy find themselves in right relationship with God.