Psalms 147:20 Meaning: The Privilege of Knowing God's Ordinances
He has not done this for just any nation. They don’t know his ordinances. Praise Yah!
He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord.
He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Praise ye Jehovah.
He hath not done so to any nation, As to judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye Jah!
He hath not dealt thus with any nation; and as for [his] judgments, they have not known them. Hallelujah!
Meaning in one sentence
Psalm 147:20 highlights Israel's unique privilege of knowing God's ordinances, prompting praise, and raising questions about God's ways with other nations.
Context
Psalm 147 is a song of praise likely written after Israel returned from exile. It celebrates God's power over creation and His tender care for His people. The psalmist declares that God builds up Jerusalem and gathers the outcasts. He tells the number of the stars. He sends snow and frost. In the closing verses, the focus narrows: God shows His word to Jacob, His statutes to Israel. Verse 20 draws a line between Israel and other nations. No other nation had this gift. The psalm ends with a call to praise Yah, making gratitude the only fitting response.
Key Words
The word translated 'ordinances' is mishpat, which carries the weight of judgment, justice, and right order. God gave Israel more than rules; He gave them a vision for how life works under His reign. The word for 'know' is yada, the same verb used when Scripture says God knew Moses face to face. It is personal, intimate knowing, not just head knowledge. Other nations did not have this. And the call to 'Praise Yah' uses the verb halal, as in hallelujah. It is shouted out, more than a murmured thanks. Together these words capture the wonder: God gave His people an intimate knowledge of His just ways, and the only proper response is loud praise.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen this verse as a celebration of God's special gift to Israel. The Methodist scholar Adam Clarke noted that the ordinances pointed to the coming Christ. Albert Barnes, a Protestant commentator, wrote that possessing God's word elevates a nation above all others. John Calvin, representing Reformed theology, emphasized God's free grace in choosing Israel. The Jewish scholars referenced by some see this as a promise of future restoration. All traditions agree: the psalm calls for deep gratitude. The gift of Scripture is not to be taken for granted. It is a privilege that leads to praise, not pride.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think this verse shows God playing favorites, leaving other nations out of His concern. In fact, the Bible consistently teaches that God chose Israel not to exclude others but to be a light to the nations (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). Israel's knowledge of God's ordinances was meant to draw all peoples to Him. The call to praise here is not about superiority; it is about stewardship. We who have God's word are called to share it, not hoard it.
Living This Out
This week, when you open your Bible, pause before you read. Remember that you hold something that many people through history did not have. Let that awareness soften your heart. Read not as a duty but as a gift. Consider also those you know who do not yet know God's word. Ask yourself how you might gently share that gift. The psalmist's response was praise. Let yours be the same.
Main takeaway: Knowing God's word is a unique privilege that should lead to praise, not pride.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God gave His people special instructions that other people didn't have. That's like getting a gift nobody else got. We can thank God for the Bible.
For ages 9, 12
Imagine having a set of instructions for life that no one else has. That's what Israel had with God's law. The psalm writer says God didn't do that for any other nation. That's why they shout 'Praise Yah!' It's a big deal to have God's word. Today, we have the whole Bible. That should make us grateful and also make us want to share it with people who haven't heard it.
Questions People Ask
What does 'ordinances' mean in Psalm 147:20?
The Hebrew word is mishpat. It means judgments, justice, or right order. In this context it refers to God's laws and commands, the way He designed His people to live. It's not just a list of rules but a vision for a life under God's reign.
Does Psalm 147:20 mean God doesn't care about other nations?
Not at all. The verse highlights Israel's unique privilege of receiving God's written word. Throughout the Old Testament God shows His care for all nations, and He chose Israel to be a light to them. The psalm calls for gratitude, not exclusivity.
Why does the psalm end with 'Praise Yah'?
'Yah' is a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God. The phrase 'Praise Yah' is a call to worship that appears often in the Psalms. Here it concludes the psalm as a fitting response to the gift of God's revelation.
How does this verse relate to the Great Commission?
If we take this verse as a reminder that not every nation had God's word, it naturally moves us to share it. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls all believers to make disciples of all nations. This privilege comes with responsibility.
What is the context of Psalm 147?
Psalm 147 is a post-exilic hymn, likely written after the Jews returned from Babylonian captivity. It praises God for rebuilding Jerusalem, gathering the outcasts, controlling the weather, and giving His word to Israel. Verse 20 is the climax of that final point.
For pastors & researchers
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