Psalms 147:8

Authorized King James Version

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַֽמְכַסֶּ֬ה

H3680

Who covereth

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

שָׁמַ֨יִם׀

H8064

the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

בְּעָבִ֗ים

H5645

with clouds

properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse

הַמֵּכִ֣ין

H3559

who prepareth

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לָאָ֣רֶץ

H776

for the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מָטָ֑ר

H4306

rain

הַמַּצְמִ֖יחַ

H6779

to grow

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

הָרִ֣ים

H2022

upon the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

חָצִֽיר׃

H2682

who maketh grass

grass; also a leek (collectively)

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 divine revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 147 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?