Psalms 103:1-22 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Psalms 103:1-22

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

EXPOSITION

A PSALM of joy and thanksgiving for God's manifold mercies, especially for his loving kindness in forgiving sin and transgression (Psalms 103:3, Psalms 103:8-12, Psalms 103:17) passing into adoration of him upon his heavenly throne (Psalms 103:19), and a call on all creation to praise him (Psalms 103:20-22). The "title" assigns the psalm to David, and this view of its authorship is taken by Hengstenberg and Professor Alexander. But other critics see in "certain Aramaic terminations" indications of a later date. Whoever the author, we must regard the composition as less "the outbreathing of gratitude from one individual spirit" than "intended to be used as a national thanksgiving" (Kay).

The psalm divides itself into four portions:

the first (Psalms 103:1-5) an outburst of praise for blessings granted by God to each man severally;

the second (Psalms 103:6-14) an enumeration of his loving kindnesses towards his Church as a whole;

the third (Psalms 103:15-18) a representation of man's weakness and dependence on God; and

the fourth (Psalms 103:19-22) a glance at God's unchanging glory, and a call upon all his creation to bless and worship him.

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Psalms 103 — OverviewPsalms 103 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis psalm calls more for devotion than exposition; it is a most excellent psalm of praise, and of general use. The psalmist, I. Stirs up himself and his own soul to praise God (ver. 1, 2) for his favour to him…Psalms 103 — OverviewPsalms 103 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 103:1, An exhortation to bless God for his mercy, Psalms 103:15, and for the constancy thereof.Psalms 103 — OverviewPsalms 103 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BiblePsalm of David. The Targum adds,"spoken in prophecy,''as doubtless it was, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Some think it was written by David, after a fit of illness, and his recovery from it, since he speaks…Psalms 103:1-5Psalms 103:1-5 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleDavid is here communing with his own heart, and he is no fool that thus talks to himself and excites his own soul to that which is good. Observe, I. How he stirs up himself to the duty of praise, v. 1, 2. 1. It…Psalms 103:1Psalms 103:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryBless the Lord, O my soul. Repeated in Psalms 103:2; also at the end of the psalm; and again in Psalms 104:1, Psalms 104:35. To "bless" is more than to praise; it is to praise with affection and gratitude. The psalmist…Psalms 103:1-5Psalms 103:1-5 · The Pulpit CommentaryGod's goodness to ourselves. The psalmist begins by addressing himself; he has before him his own personal experience during a long (or lengthening) life; and he finds ample reason for full, heartfelt gratitude. Of the…