Psalms 103:8. The Lord is merciful and gracious— It is astonishing, after a sentence like this, that any persons should be so blinded by their zeal for infidelity, as to represent the God of the Hebrews as a severe, cruel, pitiless, and vindictive monarch. See Chandler's Life of David, vol. 1: p. 6. read more
8-10. God's benevolence implies no merit. He shows it to sinners, who also are chastened for a time (Exodus 34:6). keep (anger)—in Exodus 34:6- :, bear a grudge (Jeremiah 3:5; Jeremiah 3:12). 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
Psalms 103:6 is a topic sentence that introduces what follows. Psalms 103:7-8 describe God’s dealings with Israel at Mt. Sinai. The fact that God revealed Himself to Moses and the Israelites indicates His great compassion and grace. Psalms 103:8 quotes Exodus 34:6. It restates four great characteristics about God. read more
2. Testimony to God’s compassion to His people 103:6-18 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
(8) Merciful and Gracious.—The original confession (Exodus 34:6) had become a formula of the national faith. In addition to the marginal references, see Joel 2:13, Psalms 145:8. 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
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 103:8
merciful = compassionate, or pitiful. Compare Psalms 103:13 . Slow to anger = long-suffering. mercy = lovingkindness, or grace. Compare Exodus 34:6 , Exodus 34:7 . read more