Psalms 147:14

Authorized King James Version

He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַשָּׂם
He maketh
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
גְּבוּלֵ֥ךְ
in thy borders
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#3
שָׁל֑וֹם
peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#4
חֵ֥לֶב
thee with the finest
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#5
חִ֝טִּ֗ים
of the wheat
wheat, whether the grain or the plant
#6
יַשְׂבִּיעֵֽךְ׃
and filleth
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection