From beginning to end, Psalm 103 is a great outburst of praise. Sandwiched between its first and last note of “Bless the Lord, O my soul” (vv. 1, 22) is a crescendo of praise. Beginning with David’s lone pronouncement of his heart’s deepest praise (vv. 1-5), it builds into a chorus of praise from a grateful nation (vv. 6-18), and then climaxes with the addition of angels and all His works to their resounding praise (vv. 19-22).
Praise of Jehovah befits every human and heavenly being. The beauty of His holiness, the perfection of His character, the immensity of His unfathomable love, the riches of His grace and kindness ought to stir each soul to desire, like David, for “all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (vv. 1-5).
Does it?
