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). 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
3. Praise for God’s sovereignty over all 103:19-22God reigns from heaven as King over all. His authority extends to every created thing."The central theme of the book of Psalms, which its prayers assume and its songs of praise affirm, is God’s kingship. . . ."The book’s theological message may be summarized as follows: As the Creator of all things, God exercises sovereign authority over the natural order, the nations, and Israel, His unique people. In His role as universal King God assures... 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
(20) Just as in the highest revelation made by Jesus Christ the angels in heaven rejoice over the repentant sinner, so in the psalmist’s view the mercy of Jehovah to his faithful people is cause for high acclaim among the hosts around the throne. 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
Psalms 103:0 The Praise of Israel 1. The benefits of full salvation (Psalms 103:1-7 ) 2. Merciful and gracious (Psalms 103:8-18 ) 3. His throne and His kingdom (Psalms 103:19-22 ) This is the well-beloved Psalm, because God’s people love it for its precious and beautiful expressions, telling out the full salvation of our Saviour Lord and the gracious compassion which He manifests towards His own. But we must not overlook the prophetic aspect, which but few believers have recognized. It... read more
103:20 Bless the LORD, ye {m} his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.(m) In that we, who naturally are slow to praise God, exhort the angels, who willingly do it, we stir up ourselves to consider our duty and wake from our sluggishness. read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 103:20
Psalms 103:20. Hearkening unto the voice of his word— As soon as he speaks the word. Green. Hebrew. Hearing, or upon hearing the voice of his word. Merrick renders it: Who, cloath'd with light, his word obey, And wing, as he directs, your way. REFLECTIONS.—1st, When God opens our hearts to a real discovery of what he is to us, and hath done for us, we are overwhelmed with wonder, and filled with thanksgiving. Thus the Psalmist (and with him every living servant of God), 1. Stirs up his soul to... read more