God Takes Pleasure in Them that Fear and Hope in Him
T. Horton, D. D. Psalm 147:11 The LORD takes pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. : — I. A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF GOD'S PEOPLE. 1. He takes pleasure in their persons (Daniel 8:23; Ephesians 1:6). 2. He takes pleasure in their graces, and those heavenly qualifications which are in them. (1) As they are His children, regenerated and born again to Himself (Hebrews 12:10; 2 Peter 1:4). (2) As they are His workmanship, created by Him in Christ Jesus to good works (Ephesians 2:10). 3. He takes pleasure in their prayers (Job 42:8; Acts 10:3; Proverbs 15:8). 4. He takes pleasure in their services. II. UPON WHAT ACCOUNT ESPECIALLY GOD DOES INDEED DELIGHT IN THEM. 1, Their fear of Him. Fear is the aweband of the soul, which restrains it, and keeps it in good order, and preserves it from miscarriage. It is the spur of the soul, which quickens it, and excites it, and provokes it to the doing of good: so much fear of God, so much innocency and uprightness. 2. The second is the grace of hope, or faith, of those that hope in His mercy. As the Lord takes pleasure in the former, so in this likewise. He delights in His servants more especially, as they give greater testimonies of their faith and dependence upon Him. The more that any cleave unto Him, the more doth He take care of them, and pleasure in them (Psalm 33:18). (T. Horton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. WEB: Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his loving kindness.