John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 103:4
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ,.... Not from temporal destruction, to which the natural life is subject, through diseases, dangerous occurrences, and the malice of enemies; to be delivered from which is a blessing, and for which God is to be praised; but from eternal destruction, the destruction of the body and soul in hell; and so the Targum, "who redeemest thy life from hell;' to which destruction all men are liable through sin; their ways lead unto it, and grace only... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 103:1-5
David is here communing with his own heart, and he is no fool that thus talks to himself and excites his own soul to that which is good. Observe, I. How he stirs up himself to the duty of praise, Ps. 103:1, 2. 1. It is the Lord that is to be blessed and spoken well of; for he is the fountain of all good, whatever are the channels or cisterns; it is to his name, his holy name, that we are to consecrate our praise, giving thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 2. It is the soul that is to be... read more