Scripture Guide

Psalm 147:12-20

Author

C. Hassell Bullock

Keywords (10)

Scripture

Psalm 147:12-20

Updated

Dec 5, 2024

AIM Commentary

Introduction

Psalm 147 is a hymn celebrating God’s work of creation and providence. It is a kindred psalm to 146, both celebrating this charming portrait of God. The fact that the lectionary reading includes only verses 12-20 may have been affected by the fact that in the Greek Bible (Septuagint) these verses are numbered as Psalm 147, while the first part of the psalm (vv. 1-11) is numbered as Psalm 146. Quite strikingly but not surprisingly, Psalms 146 and 147 share vocabulary [1], [2].

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Featured Image

"He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names." Ps 147:4

This photo is Webb’s First Deep Field, created in 2022 by NASA. It is a speck of sky roughly the size of a grain of sand held at arm's length. It includes the faintest objects ever imaged up to that point, a galaxy cluster named "SMACS 0723" as it appeared 4.6 billion years ago. The "smeared" effect of the galaxies pictured is a result of gravitational lensing, when the path of light is bent by the gravitational fields of incredibly massive objects (like galaxies or black holes). This photo was taken by the new James Webb Space Telescope.

Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Author

C. Hassell Bullock

C. Hassell Bullock is the Franklin S. Dyrness Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College (IL), where he served with distinction for 36 years. As a renowned scholar in Old Testament studies, particularly in the area of Psalms and Old Testament poetry, Dr. Bullock’s work has made a profound impact on biblical scholarship and Christian ministry. He holds degrees from Samford University (Birmingham, AL), Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, GA), and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (Cincinnati, OH), which reflect his deep academic commitment to the Scriptures.

Dr. Bullock is widely recognized for his expertise in the Psalms, contributing significantly to both scholarly and pastoral conversations on the subject. His publications include The Theology of the Psalms, An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books (Moody), Encountering the Book of Psalms, and a two-volume commentary on the Psalms, Psalms 1-72 and Psalms 73-150 (Baker Academic). His insights into the poetic structure and theological depth of the Psalms have enriched the understanding of these sacred texts for students, scholars, and church leaders alike.

In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Bullock has also served Presbyterian congregations in Alabama and Illinois over the course of his 40-year teaching and ministry career, blending scholarly insight with pastoral care. He is deeply committed to his family, sharing life with his wife, Rhonda, his college sweetheart. Together, they have raised a son, Scott, and a daughter, and they take great joy in the lives of their five grandchildren.

Dr. Bullock’s legacy continues to inspire students, pastors, and scholars, emphasizing the enduring richness and theological depth of the Psalms and the poetic beauty of the Old Testament. His work remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.

The Theology of the Psalms, An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books (Moody), Encountering the Book of Psalms, and a two-volume commentary on the Psalms, Psalms 1-72 and Psalms 73-150 (Baker Academic).