Psalms 103:14

GOD'S CONSIDERATION OF MAN'S FRAILTY

"For he knoweth our frame;

He remembereth that we are dust.

As for man, his days are as grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone;

And the place thereof shall know it no more.

But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him,

And his righteousness unto children's children;

To such as keep his covenant,

And to those that remember his precepts to do them."

The first part of this paragraph gives some of the reasons for God's pity mentioned in the preceding verses. especially man's weakness and the brevity of his existence.

"From everlasting to everlasting ... unto children's children" (Psalms 103:17). As a special encouragement to his children, particularly those who keep the covenant and remember the precepts of God to do them, God reminds us here that his mercies and lovingkindness are eternal, benefitting, not merely those who love him, but also extending the benefits to their children.

"To such as keep his covenant and remember his precepts to do them" (Psalms 103:18). There is a reciprocal element in the great blessings and mercies of God, which are never bestowed upon the wicked and the righteous alike, except in the matter of such general blessings as the sunshine and the rain provided for both. The special lovingkindness and mercy of God in evidence here are promised to the obedient.