Hallelujah, God Sovereignly Cares for His People!
This psalm is the 2nd psalm in the “Final Hallel” psalms that call God’s people to praise Him. The psalmist acknowledges that God sovereignty cares for His people. He demonstrates His care in His restoration (1-6), His grace (7-11), and His revelation (12-20). Praising the Lord is a privilege that His people are able to engage in. It is right to do, and delightful, and fulfilling for His people (1). The psalmist calls believers to praise the Lord because He restores His people (1-6). God is aware of His people’s plight and has their good at heart. The Lord gathers the exiles and restores them (2-3). He lifts up those that are broken hearted (3). God creates, numbers, and names all the stars demonstrating His greatness, strength, and infinite understanding (4-5) If God knows the stars by name, how much more does he know His people’s circumstances and supports them in their troubles (5-6).
The psalmist continues by calling believers to sing praises to the Lord for His grace (7-11). God shows His grace to His creation with His provision of rain for the plants and food for the birds (7-9). God does not delight in physical power and strength like man does (10). God delights and gives grace to those who fear Him, who trust in His love and care (11-12).
In the final section the psalmist call believers to praise God for His revelation to His people (12-20). God blesses His people by giving them His word. At God’s word the winter weather comes, and man is helpless to oppose it (15-18). God’s word comes to His people and communicates His will and nature (19). The greatest blessing to God’s people is to receive divine revelation (20). Praise the Lord for He is worthy of praise.