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. read more
2. forget not all—not any, none of His benefits. read more
David called on himself to bless the Lord wholeheartedly because of all His many blessings. Note the many references to "all" and its equivalents in this psalm. Some groups of Christians (e.g., some Amish) give thanks to God at the end of their meals as well as at the beginning. read more
1. Praise for God’s mercy to individuals 103:1-5 read more
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
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
(2) Benefits.—Literally, actions, whether good or bad (Judges 9:16; Proverbs 12:14). But what a significance in the restricted meaning “benefits.” God’s acts are all benefits. read more
Psalms 103:1-6 We have here a succession of scenes: (1) We are introduced to the law court, and we have a graphic picture of the condemned sinner brought before the bar of God and forced to plead guilty. The great act of Justification 'Who forgiveth all thine iniquities'. (2) We are taken to the hospital ward 'Who healeth all thy diseases'. Sin as a disease dealt with by the Great Physician. (3) The slave market 'Who redeemeth thy life from destruction'. (4) The throne room 'Who crowneth thee... read more
Psalms 103:1-22THERE are no clouds in the horizon, nor notes of sadness in the music, of this psalm. No purer outburst of thankfulness enriches the Church. It is well that, amid the many psalms which give voice to mingled pain and trust, there should be one of unalloyed gladness, as untouched by sorrow as if sung by spirits in heaven. Because it is thus purely an outburst of thankful joy, it is the more fit to be pondered in times of sorrow.The psalmist’s praise flows in one unbroken stream.... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 103:1
Psalms 103:0. An exhortation to praise God for his mercy, and for the constancy thereof. A Psalm of David. Title. לדוד ledavid— This is one of the psalms of David, which it is supposed was written by him after his recovery from a great illness. See Delaney, book 4: chap. 7. It may be so; but, as we read of no illness that he had, it is by no means clear whether such was the occasion of it, or whether he composed it after a deliverance from some other calamity. It contains a thankful... read more