Psalms 147:20
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his rules. Praise the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that God’s revelation—His "rules" and "judgments"—isn't universally known in the same way as His acts in nature. Israel alone received this specific, intimate instruction, setting them apart not just for privilege but for profound responsibility.
This psalm, celebrating God's restoration of Jerusalem and provision for all creation, concludes by highlighting Israel's unique relationship with God. While God demonstrates His power and goodness to all nations through nature, He has specifically revealed His laws and judgments to Israel, a privilege unknown to other peoples. This special covenant relationship is the ultimate reason for praise.
Ever wondered why God's Word seems so focused on one group of people? This verse sheds light on that.
Psalms 147:20 highlights a crucial distinction: God chose Israel to receive a special revelation of His laws and judgments.
A Unique Relationship
While other nations experienced God's general presence in creation and perhaps had a dim understanding of right and wrong through the light of nature, they didn't receive the detailed, specific covenantal instructions that God gave to Israel. This wasn't about God loving Israel more, but about establishing a unique relationship with them, setting them apart as His 'peculiar people.' This included His laws, His judgments, and the prophetic unfolding of His redemptive plan.
Privilege and Responsibility
This special revelation was a profound privilege. It meant knowing God's will directly, understanding His covenant promises, and having a clear path for worship and life. However, this privilege also came with significant responsibility. Israel was called not only to obey these commands but eventually to be a light to the nations, reflecting God's goodness to the world.
After detailing God's exclusive actions with Israel, the psalm ends with a powerful, all-encompassing command. What does this tell us?
The verse climaxes with an immediate call to praise: 'Praise the LORD!' This isn't just a concluding remark; it's the natural response to recognizing God's unique faithfulness and sovereign actions.
Praising God's Faithfulness
Even though the revelation of His rules was specific to Israel, the call to praise is universal. It's an invitation for all who understand His actions – especially the 'spiritual Israel' who have come to know Him through Christ – to join in this exalted praise.
A Response to Covenant Love
This praise is an acknowledgment of God's covenant love and His powerful governance over all things, both in nature and in His dealings with His chosen people. It’s a recognition that He alone is worthy of worship, not just for His grand cosmic acts, but for His specific, personal relationship with those who call on Him.
Understand the original words
goy · Hebrew Noun
A collective group of people, specifically in the biblical context, identifying the chosen people of God. In Scripture, this designates the identity of those who have been set apart to bear witness to God's covenant, law, and truth to the rest of the world.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping Creator. It signifies His eternal nature, self-existence, and His unique relationship with His people as the One who is faithful to His promises.
This psalm speaks from a time of restoration, likely after the Babylonian exile. It celebrates God's unique relationship with Israel, contrasting their knowledge of His laws and judgments with the ignorance of other nations, emphasizing His special favor and the responsibility that comes with it.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus and Sinai Covenant
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt and establishes a unique covenant with them at Mount Sinai, giving them His laws and ordinances.
c. 9th-8th century BC
Prophetic Warnings to Nations
Prophets like Amos pronounce judgment on surrounding nations for their injustice, highlighting Israel's unique knowledge of God's ways.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many Israelites, leading to a period of national distress and reflection.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, marking a significant moment of divine restoration.
This passage highlights Israel's unique relationship with God, similar to Psalm 147:20's emphasis on their special covenant and knowledge of His laws compared to other nations.
Amos 3:2This verse echoes the exclusivity of God's relationship with Israel, stating 'You only have I known of all the families of the earth,' which directly relates to Psalm 147:20's point that God has not dealt 'so with any nation.'
Romans 3:1-2Paul discusses the advantage of the Jews in being entrusted with the oracles of God. This mirrors Psalm 147:20's theme of Israel's unique privilege in knowing God's statutes and judgments.
John 1:9This verse speaks of the true light that gives light to everyone coming into the world. It serves as a contrast to Psalm 147:20, showing that while God's general light is available, Israel's specific revelation of His 'judgments' was unique.
Ephesians 2:11-12Paul describes the Gentiles as being 'separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise,' which illustrates the spiritual separation and lack of knowledge mentioned in Psalm 147:20.
pulpitPsalms 147:20: "He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD."
Verse 20. - He hath not dealt so with any nation. Though the Word of God, to a certain extent, "lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (John 1:9), yet this light of nature is not to be compared to the revelation vouchsafed to Israel. Israel was God's "peculiar people," and had peculiar privileges, which involved special responsibilities. And as for his judgments…
clarkePsalms 147:20: "He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD."
And as for his judgments - The wondrous ordinances of his law, no nation had known them; and consequently, did not know the glorious things in futurity to which they referred.
This verse highlights that God’s revelation—His "rules" and "judgments"—isn't universally known in the same way as His acts in nature. Israel alone received this specific, intimate instruction, setting them apart not just for privilege but for profound responsibility.
This psalm, celebrating God's restoration of Jerusalem and provision for all creation, concludes by highlighting Israel's unique relationship with God. While God demonstrates His power and goodness to all nations through nature, He has specifically revealed His laws and judgments to Israel, a privilege unknown to other peoples. This special covenant relationship is the ultimate reason for praise.
This psalm, celebrating God's restoration of Jerusalem and provision for all creation, concludes by highlighting Israel's unique relationship with God. While God demonstrates His power and goodness to all nations through nature, He has specifically revealed His laws and judgments to Israel, a privilege unknown to other peoples. This special covenant relationship is the ultimate reason for praise.
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c. 515 BC— this verse
Rebuilding of the Temple
The Second Temple is completed in Jerusalem, symbolizing a renewed commitment to God's covenant and worship after the exile.
c. 444 BC
Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, securing the city and consolidating the restored community.
"He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his rules. Praise the LORD!" — This verse highlights that God’s revelation—His "rules" and "judgments"—isn't universally known in the same way as His acts in nature. Israel alone received this specific, intimate instruction, setti…
