Psalms 147:19
He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
Original Language Analysis
מַגִּ֣יד
He sheweth
H5046
מַגִּ֣יד
He sheweth
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
דְּבָרָ֣ו
his word
H1697
דְּבָרָ֣ו
his word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
חֻקָּ֥יו
his statutes
H2706
חֻקָּ֥יו
his statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
4 of 6
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
Cross References
Malachi 4:4Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.Psalms 78:5For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:Deuteronomy 4:1Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.Deuteronomy 5:22These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.Deuteronomy 5:31But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.Psalms 103:7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.Psalms 76:1In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.Romans 9:4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;Romans 3:2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.Deuteronomy 4:8And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
Historical Context
Post-exilic Judaism centered on torah observance, recognizing that covenant unfaithfulness caused the Babylonian exile. Ezra the scribe reintroduced systematic torah instruction (Nehemiah 8), and the synagogue system developed to teach God's law. This psalm celebrates Israel's distinctive identity as recipients of divine revelation, a theme central to Second Temple Judaism. The giving of the law at Sinai distinguished Israel from all nations, establishing covenant relationship based on God's gracious revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians today understand our relationship to Israel's unique privilege of receiving God's revealed word?
- In what ways does having access to Scripture increase both privilege and responsibility in the life of faith?
- How does God's specific revelation (Scripture) complement and interpret His general revelation (creation)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. The psalm transitions from God's universal providence (weather, creation) to His particular revelation to Israel. The Hebrew maggid devarav leYa'akov (מַגִּיד דְּבָרָיו לְיַעֲקֹב) uses maggid (declares, makes known), emphasizing God's initiative in revelation. "Jacob" and "Israel" in parallel Hebrew poetry refer to the covenant people by both patriarchal names—Jacob the man, Israel the nation.
"His statutes and his judgments" (chuqqav umishpatav, חֻקָּיו וּמִשְׁפָּטָיו) specify the content of revelation. Chuqqim (statutes) are prescribed ordinances, often ceremonial laws; mishpatim (judgments) are judicial decisions establishing justice principles. Together they encompass God's entire revealed will—torah in its fullness. While God's power is evident in creation (general revelation), His specific covenant will is disclosed only through special revelation to Israel.
This verse celebrates Israel's unique privilege: access to God's revealed will. Deuteronomy 4:7-8 declares, "What nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them... And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous?" Paul acknowledges this advantage: "What profit hath the Jew?... chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God" (Romans 3:1-2). Yet this privilege entails responsibility—"to whom much is given, of him shall much be required" (Luke 12:48).