November 26, 2024
What Does the Bible Say About Being Brokenhearted?
Psalm 147
Emerson Campion
Big Book Idea
Thinking and feeling God's way.
Key Verse | Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147
He Heals the Brokenhearted
1
Praise the LORD!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant,
1
147:1
Or for he is beautiful
and a song of praise is fitting.
2
The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4
He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
5
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6
The LORD lifts up the humble;
2
147:6
Or afflicted
he casts the wicked to the ground.
7
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre!
8
He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.
9
He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens that cry.
10
His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11
but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
12
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
13
For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
he blesses your children within you.
14
He makes peace in your borders;
he fills you with the finest of the wheat.
15
He sends out his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
16
He gives snow like wool;
he scatters frost like ashes.
17
He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
who can stand before his cold?
18
He sends out his word, and melts them;
he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.
19
He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and rules
3
147:19
Or and just decrees
to Israel.
20
He has not dealt thus with any other nation;
they do not know his rules.
4
147:20
Or his just decrees
Praise the LORD!
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 147:1–6 It is appropriate to praise the God who rules the universe, who determines the number of the stars, and who at the same time builds up Jerusalem, gathers the outcasts of Israel, heals the brokenhearted, lifts up the humble, and casts the wicked to the ground.
Ps. 147:10 The image is most likely that of a war horse (see 20:7). Likewise, the legs of a man are swift for battle (see 18:33).
Ps. 147:7–11 The next section moves from God’s universal provision (rain, so that all animals have food) to his special care for his faithful.
Psalm Ps. 147. Here the praise is focused on gratitude for some great work of “building up Jerusalem” (or rebuilding it after the exile), and for the Creator who sustains his creation. The psalm alternates between universality (God rules over all) and particularity (he has set his own people apart and cares for them).
Ps. 147:12–20 Jerusalem, representing all of God’s people, should praise the LORD. He alone provides security and prosperity (vv. 13–14) for Jerusalem’s people. The Lord governs all the processes of nature and so is able to supply peace (that is, well being) to his people. He has also committed himself in special ways to Israel (he has not dealt thus with any other nation) with his word and his statutes and rules.
S3:233 Psalm 147
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 147
The definition of brokenhearted is to be burdened with great sorrow, grief, or disappointment. Because we live in a broken world, we constantly feel these things, even if we don't realize it. I know when I am faced with these emotions, I am quick to suppress them and turn to worldly things to bring joy and rest. Spoiler alert—they don't! And that's because nothing in this world can heal what only God can heal.
Many times in the Bible, God has done exactly what it says in Psalm 147:3—"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Our steadfast and faithful LORD cares for and heals us just the same. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus encourages us to bring our burdens to Him. Feeling burdened, sorrowful, and disappointed are inevitable emotions we face on this earth. Not only does God know about our sorrows—He has lived them. Jesus came and took on our eternal pain so that we wouldn't have to. How comforting is it to know that we have a God who sympathizes with us and knows our pain (Hebrews 4:15-16)?
It is easy to question if God is capable of healing our hurts, but in Psalm 147:4-5, we are reminded that God is sovereign over the most vast and unknown things on earth. Knowing this, how could He not be sovereign over our lives? And not only is He sovereign—He cares deeply, too. He knows every detail of our lives.
Throughout this passage, we see how powerful and sovereign the Lord is over everything—past, present, and future. He is also caring and gentle and is delighted when we run to Him in our grief because only He can provide the peace and rest we desire and need.
This month's memory verse
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
– 2 Corinthians 9:7
Discussion Questions
1. Today's society makes it tempting and easy to turn to worldly things when we feel brokenhearted. Other than God, what or who are you prone to turn toward when facing difficult emotions?
2. Throughout this passage, we are reminded to praise God for every good thing in our lives. What does it look like for you to take time to thank God for who He is and the things He has done for you?
3. Think back on God's past faithfulness to you. What are you currently praying for God to heal, and have you shared that prayer with others (community group, family, close friends)?
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