Psalms 147:2-3
The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just about rebuilding a city, but about God actively bringing back those who were scattered – the "outcasts." This highlights that God's restoration plan includes gathering His people, not just rebuilding structures.
This psalm celebrates God's ongoing work of restoring His people and His city after their exile. It begins by calling for praise because the Lord actively rebuilds Jerusalem, bringing back and reassembling the scattered Israelites who were once dispersed throughout foreign lands.
When we hear 'building up Jerusalem,' we might picture bricks and mortar. But what was this 'building' truly about?
This verse speaks of the Lord's work in restoring Jerusalem, but the commentaries highlight that it's far more than just physical construction. The rebuilding encompasses the return and reintegration of His people, the 'outcasts of Israel.' This wasn't just about repairing a city; it was about gathering a scattered people, healing their brokenness, and re-establishing them as God's community. The work spans a long period, involving the temple, city, and walls, signifying a comprehensive restoration.
Think of it like this: God isn't just fixing a house; He's gathering a family that had been scattered to the wind.
The term 'outcasts' brings a sense of loneliness and despair. Who were these people, and what does God's action reveal about His heart?
The 'outcasts' refer to the Israelites who were exiled from their homeland and dispersed among foreign nations. They were banished, scattered, and likely felt forgotten. But God, in His faithfulness, actively gathers them.
This gathering isn't a passive event; it's an intentional act of His power and love. He doesn't just wait for them to return; He brings them together. This imagery paints God as a great Shepherd, tenderly searching for, finding, and bringing back His lost sheep.
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.
shevurei lev · Hebrew Noun/Adjective Phrase
Refers to those experiencing deep emotional or spiritual distress, sorrow, or grief. God is depicted as the intimate comforter and restorer of such individuals.
This psalm paints a picture of restoration, celebrating God's power to bring His people home and rebuild their city after the trauma of exile. The specific context of the wall rebuilding under Nehemiah highlights God's active work in securing and establishing His people in their land.
538 BC
Cyrus decrees return from exile
The Persian King Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the return.
c. 516 BC
Temple completion
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed by the returning exiles, though it is less grand than Solomon's original Temple.
c. 457 BC
Ezra leads return
The scribe Ezra leads a significant group of exiles back to Jerusalem, bringing with them the Law of Moses and focusing on religious reform.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah rebuilds walls
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, receives permission to return to Jerusalem and oversee the rebuilding of the city walls, a crucial step in its restoration and defense.
This passage speaks of God gathering the dispersed people of Israel from the nations, mirroring the idea in Psalms 147:2 of God gathering his 'outcasts'.
Isaiah 56:8Similar to Psalms 147:2, this verse states the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, will add to them those already gathered.
Nehemiah 1:9This verse directly echoes the theme of gathering scattered people, as Nehemiah prays for God's people to be gathered from among the nations, reflecting the divine action in Psalms 147:2.
John 10:16Jesus speaks of having other sheep not of this fold, whom He must bring, and they will hear His voice; this echoes the concept of gathering scattered people into one flock.
Acts 15:16Quoting Amos, this passage speaks of God visiting the nations to take out of them a people for His name, which relates to the idea of God gathering His chosen people from dispersion.
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.
The verse isn't just about rebuilding a city, but about God actively bringing back those who were scattered – the "outcasts." This highlights that God's restoration plan includes gathering His people, not just rebuilding structures.
This psalm celebrates God's ongoing work of restoring His people and His city after their exile. It begins by calling for praise because the Lord actively rebuilds Jerusalem, bringing back and reassembling the scattered Israelites who were once dispersed throughout foreign lands.
This psalm celebrates God's ongoing work of restoring His people and His city after their exile. It begins by calling for praise because the Lord actively rebuilds Jerusalem, bringing back and reassembling the scattered Israelites who were once dispersed throughout foreign lands.
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c. 434 BC
Nehemiah's second return
Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem for a second period, addressing further reforms and solidifying the community's religious and civic life.
"The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." — The verse isn't just about rebuilding a city, but about God actively bringing back those who were scattered – the "outcasts." This highlights that God's restoration plan includes gathering His people…
