Psalm 103:3-4 ASV

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:1-22

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. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities. This is the first and greatest of "benefits," and is therefore placed first, as that for which we ought, above all else, to bless God. God's forgiveness of sin is a frequent topic with the psalmists (see Psalms 25:11 , Psalms 25:18 ; Psalms 32:1 ; Psalms 51:9 ; Psalms 85:2 ; Psalms 86:5 , etc.). Who healeth all thy diseases. This is best understood literally—not as mere "parallelism." Among the greatest blessings which we receive of God is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:3

God the Healer of disease. Though this psalm is one of the most familiar, both its authorship and its particular occasion are quite unknown. Early in the psalm this text comes. It is part of a review of God's personal mercies to the psalmist, but it is doubtful whether the psalmist referred to times of bodily disease and bodily healing, or to the soul diseases which answer to "iniquities." In view of the way in which Eastern poets loved to repeat their thought with slightly altered... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:4

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction. When sickness seems about to be mortal, or when danger threatens from foes, God often steps in and "redeems" men— i.e , saves them, rescues them (see Psalms 56:13 ; Psalms 116:8 ; Isaiah 38:16 , Isaiah 38:20 ). Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies (comp. Psalms 8:5 ; Psalms 18:50 ; Psalms 23:6 , etc.). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:4

The Divine crown on man. "Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies." What various answers could be given to the question—What is the true crown of a man's life?" No doubt the term "crown" may be used in a variety of senses. The psalmist seems here to think of the crown as that which bedecks and beautifies; and he makes us think of the crown of flowers on the May queen, rather than of the jewelled crowns on wealthy kings. So the question comes to be—What is the true... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities - Pardoning all thy sins. That is, It is a characteristic of God to pardon sin, and I have evidence that he has done it in my own case, and this is a ground for praise. It is observable that this is the first thing in view of the psalmist - the first of the “benefits” which he had received from God, or the first thing in importance among his acts or his dealings, which called for praise. Properly considered, this is the first thing which calls for praise. That... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 103:4

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction - That is, who saves it from death when exposed to danger, or when attacked by disease. The word “destruction” or “corruption” here is equivalent to the grave, since it is there that the body returns to corruption. Compare the notes at Psalms 16:10.Who crowneth thee - The idea here is not merely that God is the source of these blessings, but that there is something of beauty, of dignity, of honor, as in the conferring of a crown or garland on anyone.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 103:1-3

Psalms 103:1-3. All that is within me, bless his holy name Let all my thoughts and affections be engaged, united, and raised to the highest pitch in and for this work. Forget not all his benefits In order to our duty, praising God for his mercies, it is necessary we should have a grateful remembrance of them. And we may be assured we do forget the m, in the sense here meant by the psalmist, if we do not give sincere and hearty thanks for them. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities This is... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 103:4-5

Psalms 103:4-5. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction Both temporal and eternal; from deadly dangers and miseries. Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness That is, encompasseth and adorneth thee therewith, as with a crown. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things Satisfieth all thy just desires and necessities. So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s That is, as some interpret the words, As the eagle appears to renew her youth with her plumage, when she casts off all her old... 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

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:1-22

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 103:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 103:4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 103:1-3

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 103:4-5

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 103:1-22

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