Psalms 147:11
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Study Note
Study Note
The declaration 'the Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy' grounds divine delight not in human achievement (the preceding verse: 'he delighteth not in the strength of the horse, nor taketh pleasure in the legs of a man') but in the disposition of trust-in-divine-mercy. The pairing 'fear him' and 'hope in his mercy' might seem paradoxical — fear and hope directed at the same object — but represents the Old Testament integration of awesome reverence and confident reliance as the defining posture of covenant relationship. The verse participates in Psalm 147's sustained contrast between human military and natural power (horses, armies) and the different register of divine power — the creator of the cosmos who also heals the brokenhearted (v. 3). James 4:6 ('God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble') and 1 Peter 5:7 ('casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you') develop the same theology of divine delight in humble trust.
Other Translations
Jehovah taketh pleasure in them that fear him, In those that hope in his lovingkindness.
Jehovah is pleased with those fearing Him, With those waiting for His kindness.
The Lord takes pleasure in his worshippers, and in those whose hope is in his mercy.
Cross References
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way …
Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be …
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and …
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a …
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of …
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the …
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is …
For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the …