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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 103:13

Like as a father pitieth his children - Hebrew, “Like the compassion of a father for his children.” See the notes at Matthew 7:7-11. God often compares himself with a father, and it is by carrying out our ideas of what enters into the parental character that we get our best conceptions of the character of God. See the notes at Matthew 6:9. That which is referred to here, is the natural affection of the parent for the child; the tender love which is borne by the parent for his offspring; the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 103:11-13

Psalms 103:11-13. As the heaven, &c., so great is his mercy So much above our deserts and expectations, and above the mercy which one man shows to another; toward them that fear him Which clause he adds here, as also Psalms 103:17-18, to prevent men’s mistakes and abuses of God’s mercy, and to overthrow the vain hopes which impenitent sinners build thereon. As far as the east, &c., so far hath he removed our transgressions The guilt of our sins, from our persons and... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 103:1-22

Psalms 103:0 God’s great loveRealizing how easily people forget God, David reminds himself of the many blessings, physical and spiritual, that God has given him. Gratefully, he praises God for them all (1-2). Sin, sickness and the prospect of a hopeless death have been replaced by forgiveness, good health and a renewed enjoyment of life (3-5).The constant love of God for his people is seen in the history of Israel. He cares for the oppressed and shows mercy on sinners (6-8). If God acted only... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 103:11-13

Psalms 103:11-13. For as the heaven is high, &c.— There cannot be a nobler amplification of the divine mercy and placability than that contained in the 11th and 12th verses: and what can equal the tenderness ascribed to our paternal Creator in the 13th? One would think it impossible, if daily experience did not convince us to the contrary, that human creatures should be regardless of such love, and ungrateful to so solicitous a benefactor! For my own part, I can hardly conceive it possible... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 103:1-22

Psalms 103"The four psalms that close Book Four of the book of Psalms (90-106) emphasize praise to the Lord for several reasons: His benefits to His people (103), His care of His creation (104), His wonderful acts on behalf of Israel (105), His longsuffering with His people’s rebellion (106)." [Note: Wiersbe, The . . . Wisdom . . ., p. 276.] This popular Davidic psalm of individual thanksgiving reviews God’s mercies and expresses confident hope in His covenant promises. It contains no requests.... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 103:6-18

2. Testimony to God’s compassion to His people 103:6-18 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 103:13-18

God’s compassion is father-like in that He is mindful of our finite creaturely limitations."He knows us even better than we know ourselves." [Note: Kidner, Psalms 73-150, p. 366.] Psalms 103:15-16 beautifully describe the transitory nature of human life. It is both frail and short-lived. In contrast, God’s loyal love to those who fear Him abides strong forever. It transcends generations and continues on to the descendants of those who obey His law (Psalms 103:17-18; cf. Exodus 20:5-6). read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 103:1-22

In this Ps. the hope of the previous one has been fulfilled, and sorrow has given place to thanksgiving. Its probable date is soon after the return from exile. The Psalmist utters his personal gratitude and praise (Psalms 103:1-5), and tells how God has shown to Israel in his own day the same power and grace which He showed in the days of Moses (Psalms 103:6-12). Special emphasis is laid on God’s fatherly pity for His people in their frailty, and on the eternity of His mercy as shown to... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 103:13

(13) Father.—This anticipation of Christ’s revelation of the paternal heart of God, is found also in the prophets. read more

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