United Commentaries

Ps.103.1-22

This psalm celebrates the Lord’s perfection, compassion, forgiveness, and goodness.

Ps.103.1-6

The psalmist offers praise for the Lord’s goodness.

Ps.103.1-2

Let all that I am praise the Lord: Pss 103 and 104 each open and close with this commitment (103:1-2, 22; 104:1, 35; see also 146:1).

Ps.103.7-8

The Lord revealed himself to Moses in distinctive ways that ensured his relationship with his people (see Exod 34:6-7; Num 14:18).

Ps.103.9

If the Lord were to constantly accuse or remain angry forever, no one would be left (see Isa 54:7-8; 57:16).

Ps.103.11-12

The Lord’s love and forgiveness are infinite and complete.

Ps.103.13

The Lord is like a father to his children: This analogy forms the basis for Jesus’ teaching about God’s fatherhood (see Matt 5:43-48; 6:1; 10:19-20; 12:50; Luke 6:36; 12:29-32; John 8:31-59; 15:1-8; see also 2 Sam 7:14; Jer 3:19; 31:9; Mal 1:6; 2 Cor 6:16-18).

Ps.103.14-16

The Lord compassionately cares for frail humans (see 37:2; 90:5; 92:7; 102:4; Isa 40:6-8).

Ps.103.17-19

the love of the Lord remains forever: The Lord’s kingdom is everlasting, so he commits himself to his people across many generations.

Ps.103.18

To obey God means to be faithful and loyal to him.

Ps.103.20-21

The psalmist exhorts the Lord’s angels, his servants and messengers, to praise the Lord.

Ps.103.22

God’s kingdom extends over all things, so all things are called to praise the Lord.

The concluding phrase takes us back to 103:1-2.