Psalm 147
Psalm 147 is the 147th psalm of the Book of Psalms (Greek numbering: Psalm 146-147). The theme of the psalm is a focus on the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Uses
Judaism
- Psalm 147 is recited in its entirety in Pesukei Dezimra, the initial section of the daily morning prayer service.[1]
- Is recited on Simchat Torah in some traditions.[2]
Catholicism
Since the Middle Ages, this psalm was recited or sung at the office of Vespers on Saturday, according to the Rule of St. Benedict of 530AD. At that time, there were two separate psalms to read: Psalms 146 and 147.[3]
In the Liturgy of Hours today, Psalm 147 is recited or sung at Lauds on Friday of the second and fourth[4] weeks. In the liturgy of the Mass, it is read on the fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, and also on the feast of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Year A.
Musical settings
- Anton Bruckner—Psalm 146 Alleluja! Lobet den Herrn; denn lobsingen ist gut WAB 37 (c. 1856) - setting of verses 1 to 11.
- In 1610, Monteverdi published his Vespers to the Virgin, work in which he set to music for choir and continuo seven votes verses 12 to 20.
The same verses served to Michel Richard Delalande for its "Lauda Jerusalem Dominum" for the celebration of daily Mass for King Louis XIV at Versailles.
- Henry Desmarest, contemporary composer of Michel-Richard Delalande, wrote a great motet on this psalm.