The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about physical rebuilding, but about God actively bringing back and reintegrating those who were scattered or exiled, signifying His intimate care for His people. The "outcasts" aren't just people who were lost; they represent those broken and dispersed, whom God compassionately gathers and makes whole again.
The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm celebrates God's restorative power, particularly after the exile. It highlights His work in rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering back the scattered Israelites, who were like exiles in foreign lands. The focus is on God's initiative in bringing His people home and renewing their city.
What happens when a city lies in ruins, its people scattered? Psalms 147:2 points to a powerful truth about God's active role.
The verse declares, "The LORD builds up Jerusalem." This isn't just about bricks and mortar. Think about the historical context: Jerusalem had been destroyed, its people taken into exile. This verse proclaims that God, not human effort alone, is the driving force behind its rebuilding.
More Than Just Walls
Imagine being exiled, far from home, dispersed among strangers. How does God bring His people back together?
The second part of the verse, 'he gathers the outcasts of Israel,' speaks to a profound act of divine compassion and reintegration. The 'outcasts' refers to those who had been exiled, banished, or scattered from their homeland.
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The Meaning of 'Outcasts'
Understand the original words
Yerushalayim · Hebrew Noun (Proper)
The holy city of God, serving as a symbol of His presence, kingdom, and the gathering place for His people.
niddachei · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Those who are dispersed, banished, or cast away from their homeland or community, often used in scripture to describe those in need of divine regathering and restoration.
This psalm likely celebrates the tangible work of rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering the scattered people back to their land after the Babylonian exile, particularly focusing on the efforts under Nehemiah.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire and setting the stage for the return of exiled peoples, including the Jews.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus allows Jewish return
Cyrus issues an edict allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the beginning of the return from Babylonian captivity.
c. 515 BC
Second Temple dedicated
The rebuilt Second Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, a significant milestone in the restoration of Jewish religious life after the exile.
c. 457 BC
Ezra leads a new wave of returnees
The scribe Ezra leads another significant group of exiles back to Jerusalem, bringing with him religious reforms and the Law.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem's walls
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, receives permission to return to Jerusalem and leads the challenging effort to rebuild the city's walls, facing considerable opposition.
This passage directly parallels the idea of God gathering the dispersed, specifically mentioning 'the scattered of Israel' and 'the dispersed of Judah,' highlighting God's restorative work among His people.
Jeremiah 29:14This verse speaks to God's promise to gather His people from all the nations where they have been scattered, directly reflecting the concept of God gathering the 'outcasts' back to their land and into His favor.
John 11:52This New Testament passage speaks of Jesus dying not only for the Jewish nation but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad, showing a spiritual fulfillment of God's gathering work.
Deuteronomy 30:3Here God promises that He will restore the fortunes of His people and gather them from all the nations where He has scattered them, echoing the theme of divine restoration and regathering found in the psalm.
ellicottPsalms 147:2: "The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel."
(2) Build up— i.e., of course, “rebuild.” The word “outcasts,” which is that used in Isaiah 11:12 ; Isaiah 56:8 , shows that the rebuilding after the captivity is intended. The LXX. and Vulg. have “ dispersion;” Symmachus, “those thrust out.”
clarkePsalms 147:2: "The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel."
The Lord doth build up - The psalmist appears to see the walls rising under his eye, because the outcasts of Israel, those who had been in captivity, are now gathered together to do the work.
This verse isn't just about physical rebuilding, but about God actively bringing back and reintegrating those who were scattered or exiled, signifying His intimate care for His people. The "outcasts" aren't just people who were lost; they represent those broken and dispersed, whom God compassionately gathers and makes whole again.
This psalm celebrates God's restorative power, particularly after the exile. It highlights His work in rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering back the scattered Israelites, who were like exiles in foreign lands. The focus is on God's initiative in bringing His people home and renewing their city.
This psalm celebrates God's restorative power, particularly after the exile. It highlights His work in rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering back the scattered Israelites, who were like exiles in foreign lands. The focus is on God's initiative in bringing His people home and renewing their city.
"The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel." — This verse isn't just about physical rebuilding, but about God actively bringing back and reintegrating those who were scattered or exiled, signifying His intimate care for His people. The "outcasts"…
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Last reviewed October 2026