Psalms 147:19
He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
Study Note
Study Note
The declaration 'he sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel' parallels verse 20 in a synonymous pair that emphasizes the particularity of divine revelatory communication to the covenant community. The triad 'word, statutes, judgments' (davar, huqqim, mishpatim) corresponds to the comprehensive designations for Torah in Psalm 119, suggesting that the gift of Scripture — not merely the content of specific laws but the very form of revealed divine address — is what marks Israel's distinction. The image of God 'showing' (nagad, to make clear, declare) his word implies an active divine communication rather than a passive deposit, consistent with Deuteronomy 4:7-8's emphasis on the uniqueness of Israel's access to a God 'so near unto them' who speaks.
Other Translations
He showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel.
Declaring His words to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel.
He makes his word clear to Jacob, teaching Israel his laws and his decisions.
Cross References
And God spake all these words, saying,
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, …
And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I …
And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, …
And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them …
These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they …
These words the Lord spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of …