Psalm 103:8-9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 103:6-18

Hitherto the psalmist had only looked back upon his own experiences and thence fetched matter for praise; here he looks abroad and takes notice of his favour to others also; for in them we should rejoice and give thanks for them, all the saints being fed at a common table and sharing in the same blessings. I. Truly God is good to all (Ps. 103:6): He executes righteousness and judgment, not only for his own people, but for all that are oppressed; for even in common providence he is the patron... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 103:8

The Lord is merciful and gracious ,.... So he made himself known to Moses, Exodus 34:6 , and so David found him to be, and therefore calls upon his soul to bless his name. God is "merciful" in the most tender and affectionate manner; he has bowels of mercy, which yearn towards his people, as those of a tender parent to its child, as the word signifies; his mercy is free, without any motive or merit in men to engage it; he delights in showing it; he constantly bestows it; it is the source... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 103:9

He will not always chide ,.... He sometimes does chide his children, though never but when they have done a fault; always for their sins, in order to bring them to a sense and acknowledgment of them, and to depart from them; not for chiding sake, as some parents, to gratify their passion and ill humour, who correct for their own pleasure; but the Lord chides and corrects for the profit of his children, that they may be partakers of his holiness; he ever does it for their good, but he will... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 103:8

The Lord is merciful - See the note on Psalm 86:15 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 103:9

He will not always chide - He will not contend with us continually. He has often reproved, often punished us; but his mercy ever rejoiced over judgment. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 103:8

Verse 8 8.Jehovah is merciful and gracious David seems to allude to the exclamation of Moses, recorded in Exodus 34:6, where the nature of God, revealed in a remarkable way, is more clearly described than in other places. When Moses was admitted to take a nearer view of the Divine glory than was usually obtained, he exclaimed upon beholding it, “O God! merciful and gracious, forgiving iniquity, slow to wrath, and abundant in goodness.” As, therefore, he has summarily comprehended in that... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 103:9

Verse 9 9He will not always chide David, from the attributes ascribed to God in the preceding verse, draws the conclusion, that when God has been offended, he will not be irreconcilable, since, from his nature, he is always inclined to forgive. It was necessary to add this statement; for our sins would be continually shutting the gate against his goodness were there not some way of appeasing his anger. David tacitly intimates that God institutes an action against sinners to lay them low under a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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 103:6-18

The confidence of God's children. These strong, sustaining words call us to consider— I. TO WHOM THE DIVINE ASSURANCES ARE GIVEN . It is clear that they are given to the servants of God. The thought runs through the whole passage (see Psalms 103:11 , Psalms 103:13 , Psalms 103:18 ). Where this is not explicitly stated, it is to be understood (see particularly Psalms 103:12 ). Those may not claim the fulfilment of promises to whom they were not made. First enter... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 103:8

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. This was a part of the revelation made to Moses ( Exodus 34:6 ), whose words the psalmist closely echoes, both here and in Psalms 86:15 (comp. also Psalms 111:4 ; Psalms 112:4 ; Psalms 145:8 ). read more

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