Psalms 103

Ps 103 This psalm celebrates the Lord’s perfection, compassion, forgiveness, and goodness.103:1-6 The psalmist offers praise for the Lord’s goodness.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).

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).

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).

103:11-12 The Lord’s love and forgiveness are infinite and complete.

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).

103:14-16 The Lord compassionately cares for frail humans (see 37:2; 90:5; 92:7; 102:4; Isa 40:6-8).

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.

103:18 To obey God means to be faithful and loyal to him.

103:20-21 The psalmist exhorts the Lord’s angels, his servants and messengers, to praise the Lord.

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.