Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryPsalms 103

PSALM 103

Psa 103:1-22. A Psalm of joyous praise, in which the writer rises from a thankful acknowledgment of personal blessings to a lively celebration of God's gracious attributes, as not only intrinsically worthy of praise, but as specially suited to man's frailty. He concludes by invoking all creatures to unite in his song.

1. Bless, &c.--when God is the object, praise. my soul--myself (Psa 3:3; 25:1), with allusion to the act, as one of intelligence. all ... within me--(De 6:5). his holy name--(Psa 5:11), His complete moral perfections.

2. forget not all--not any, none of His benefits.

3. diseases--as penal inflictions (De 29:22; 2Ch 21:19).

4. redeemeth--Cost is implied. destruction--literally, "pit of corruption" (Psa 16:10). crowneth--or, "adorneth" (Psa 65:11). tender mercies--compassions (compare Psa 25:6; 40:11).

5. By God's provision, the saint retains a youthful vigor like the eagles (Psa 92:14; compare Is 40:31).

6. Literally, "righteousness and judgments," denoting various acts of God's government.

7. ways--of providence, &c., as usual (Psa 25:4; 67:2). acts--literally, "wonders" (Psa 7:11; 78:17).

8-10. God's benevolence implies no merit. He shows it to sinners, who also are chastened for a time (Ex 34:6). keep (anger)--in Le 19:18, bear a grudge (Jr 3:5, 12).

11. great--efficient.

12. removed ... from us--so as no longer to affect our relations to Him.

13. pitieth--literally, "has compassion on."

14. he--"who formed," Psa 94:9. knoweth our frame--literally, "our form." we are dust--made of and tending to it (Ge 2:7).

15-16. So short and frail is life that a breath may destroy it. it is gone--literally, "it is not." know it no more--no more recognize him (Psa 90:6; Is 40:6-8).

17-18. For similar contrast compare Psa 90:2-6; 102:27, 28.

19. God's firm and universal dominion is a pledge that He will keep His promises (Psa 11:4; 47:8).

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 De 26:17; Lu 1:19).