Psalms 147:11

"He doesn’t delight in the strength of the horse. He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man."

Key Reflection

In Psalms 147:11, God is contrasted with earthly rulers and their military might. The original audience would have recognized that horses were a symbol of power and strength in warfare, often associated with kings and mighty warriors. Yet, this verse asserts that God does not derive His joy or power from such material symbols; instead, He finds more pleasure in the humble piety of His people.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him -In those who truly worship him, however humble, poor, and unknown to people they may be; however unostentatious, retired, unnoticed may be their worship. Not in the “pride, pomp, and circumstance of war” is his pleasure; not in the march of armies; not in the valor of the battlefield; not in scenes where “the garments of the warrior are rolled in blood,” but in the closet, when the devout child of God prays; in the family, when the group bend before Him in solemn devotion; in the assembly - quiet, serious, calm - when his friends are gathered together for prayer and praise; in the heart that truly loves, reverences, adores Him.

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