Psalms 147:12

Authorized King James Version

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Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.

Original Language Analysis

שַׁבְּחִ֣י Praise H7623
שַׁבְּחִ֣י Praise
Strong's: H7623
Word #: 1 of 7
properly, to address in a loud tone, i.e., (specifically) loud
יְ֭רוּשָׁלִַם O Jerusalem H3389
יְ֭רוּשָׁלִַם O Jerusalem
Strong's: H3389
Word #: 2 of 7
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַֽלְלִ֖י praise H1984
הַֽלְלִ֖י praise
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 5 of 7
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
אֱלֹהַ֣יִךְ thy God H430
אֱלֹהַ֣יִךְ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
צִיּֽוֹן׃ O Zion H6726
צִיּֽוֹן׃ O Zion
Strong's: H6726
Word #: 7 of 7
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

Analysis & Commentary

Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion. This verse marks a structural shift in the psalm, transitioning from celebrating God's universal providence to His particular covenant relationship with Israel. The imperative shabbechi (שַׁבְּחִי, "praise") appears twice in parallel Hebrew poetry, intensifying the call to worship. The first address is to "Jerusalem" (Yerushalayim, יְרוּשָׁלַ ִם), the political capital, while the second is to "Zion" (Tziyon, צִיּוֹן), the religious center where the temple stood.

The phrase "thy God" (Elohayik, אֱלֹהַיִךְ) uses the second-person singular possessive, emphasizing personal covenant relationship. This is not merely 'God' in general, but 'YOUR God'—the One who has bound Himself to Israel through covenant promises. This echoes the covenant formula repeated throughout Scripture: "I will be your God, and you shall be my people" (Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 6:16).

The dual address to Jerusalem/Zion anticipates the New Testament reality where God's people are not defined by geography but by spiritual citizenship. Believers are called "the heavenly Jerusalem" (Hebrews 12:22), "Mount Zion" (Hebrews 12:22), and "fellow citizens with the saints" (Ephesians 2:19). The call to praise becomes universal, extending to all who enter covenant relationship with God through Christ.

Historical Context

Post-exilic Jerusalem was physically rebuilt but still vulnerable, a small province in the Persian Empire. The temple had been reconstructed (516 BC) but lacked the glory of Solomon's original structure (Ezra 3:12). Despite physical weakness and political insignificance, Jerusalem remained God's chosen dwelling place, and Zion His holy mountain. This psalm calls the faithful remnant to praise not based on present circumstances but on God's covenant faithfulness and their identity as His chosen people.

Questions for Reflection

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