Psalms 147:13

“For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates, etc.] Of Jerusalem, of Zion the church of God. Gates are for the letting in of persons into the city of our God; which are Christ, faith in him, and a profession of it; (see <232601>Isaiah 26:1,2), “bars” are for the security of those that, are in it, and to keep out the enemy: and these, “strengthened”, denote the utmost safety of the true members of Christ and his church; who have nothing to fear from their spiritual enemies, sin, law, Satan, the world, death, and hell: God is on their side; Christ is the munition of rocks unto them the Holy Spirit is in them, who is greater than he that is in the world; and angels are guards about them; all…”

“strengthened . . . gates--or, means of defense against invaders,”

“For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates - He has made thee safe and secure - as if he had given additional strength to the fastenings of the gates of the city. Cities were surrounded by walls. They were entered through gates. Those gates were fastened by bars passed across them, to which the gates were secured. The language here might be applicable to any period, but it is probable that there is particular reference to Jerusalem as made strong in rebuilding it after the return from Babylon. He hath blessed thy children within thee - The inhabitants, by giving them safety and peace. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Thy gates - Thy strength consists not in thy walls, and gates, and bars, but in his protection. Psalms 147:14”

“147:13 The bars of the city gates symbolize defenses against enemies. • God blessed his people by empowering them with safety, prosperity, peace, and provisions (see 133:3).”

“he hath: Psa 48:11-14, Psa 51:18, Psa 125:2; Neh. 3:1-16, Neh 6:1, Neh 7:1, Neh 12:30; Lam 2:8, Lam 2:9, Lam 4:12; Dan 9:25 blessed: Psa 115:14, Psa 115:15, Psa 128:3-6, Psa 144:12; Isa 44:3-5; Jer 30:19, Jer 30:20; Zac 8:3-5; Luk 19:42-44 Psalms 147:14”