Few word pictures are more stunning and breathtaking than the ones used by David in Psalm 103. Like an overstuffed pillow, he is bursting at the seams in his exuberant desire to praise the Lord so that all that is within him blesses His holy name. In verses 3 to 5 David recounts five distinct blessings that he personally enjoys and desires to not forget—God’s forgiveness, healing, redemption, royal treatment, and blessing.
Beginning in verse six, the pronouns change from singular to plural as a chorus of praise joins David’s lone voice. Like a mighty ocean—powerful and plenteous—Jehovah’s praise is continued and is most deserved. Here we find four additional profound truths about the great I AM. He is praiseworthy because of:
- His righteous government. “The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel” (vv. 6-7).
- His incredible patience. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger. He has not dealt with us according to our sins nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (vv. 8-12).
- His tender pity. “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more” (vv. 13-16).
- His consistent lovingkindness. “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them” (vv. 17-18).
Is your voice should be part of this chorus?
