Bible Commentaries
Psalms 103

Introduction

PSALM 103

:-. A Psalm of joyous praise, in which the writer rises from a thankful acknowledgment of personal blessings to a lively celebration of God's gracious attributes, as not only intrinsically worthy of praise, but as specially suited to man's frailty. He concludes by invoking all creatures to unite in his song.

Verse 1

1. Bless, c.—when God is the object, praise.

my soul—myself (Psalms 3:3 Psalms 25:1), with allusion to the act, as one of intelligence.

all . . . within me— (Deuteronomy 6:5).

his holy name— (Deuteronomy 6:5- :), His complete moral perfections.

Verse 2

2. forget not all—not any, none of His benefits.

Verse 3

3. diseases—as penal inflictions (Deuteronomy 29:22; 2 Chronicles 21:19).

Verse 4

4. redeemeth—Cost is implied.

destruction—literally, "pit of corruption" ( :-).

crowneth—or, "adorneth" (Psalms 65:11).

tender mercies—compassions (compare Psalms 25:6; Psalms 40:11).

Verse 5

5. By God's provision, the saint retains a youthful vigor like the eagles ( :-; compare Isaiah 40:31).

Verse 6

6. Literally, "righteousness and judgments," denoting various acts of God's government.

Verse 7

7. ways—of providence, c., as usual (Psalms 25:4 Psalms 67:2).

acts—literally, "wonders" (Psalms 7:11; Psalms 78:17).

Verse 8

8-10. God's benevolence implies no merit. He shows it to sinners, who also are chastened for a time (Exodus 34:6).

keep (anger)—in Exodus 34:6- :, bear a grudge (Jeremiah 3:5; Jeremiah 3:12).

Verse 11

11. great—efficient.

Verse 12

12. removed . . . from us—so as no longer to affect our relations to Him.

Verse 13

13. pitieth—literally, "has compassion on."

Verse 14

14. he—"who formed," Psalms 94:9.

knoweth our frame—literally, "our form."

we are dust—made of and tending to it (Genesis 2:7).

Verse 15

15, 16. So short and frail is life that a breath may destroy it.

it is gone—literally, "it is not."

know it no more—no more recognize him (Psalms 90:6; Isaiah 40:6-8).

Verse 17

17, 18. For similar contrast compare Psalms 90:2-6; Psalms 102:27; Psalms 102:28.

Verse 18

18. such . . . covenant—limits the general terms preceding.

righteousness—as usual (Psalms 7:17; Psalms 31:1).

Verse 19

19. God's firm and universal dominion is a pledge that He will keep His promises (Psalms 11:4; Psalms 47:8).

Verse 20

20-22. do his commandments . . . word—or, literally, "so as to hearken," c., that is, their acts of obedience are prompt, so that they are ever ready to hear, and know, and follow implicitly His declared will (compare Deuteronomy 26:17 Luke 1:19).

Verse 21

21. ye his hosts—myriads, or armies, as corresponding to angels of great power [ :-], denoting multitudes also.

Verse 22

22. all his works—creatures of every sort, everywhere.