103:title Of David See note on 3:title.

David and the Psalm Titles

103:1 Bless Yahweh The psalmist repeats this command six times (vv. 1, 2, 20, 21, 22). The Hebrew word used here, barakh (which may be literally rendered as “to bless”), describes bestowing someone with special power or declaring Yahweh to be the source of special power. In that regard, it means praising Yahweh for who He is. Compare 106:48 and note.

bless his holy name This refers primarily to the essential character and nature of Yahweh. See 94:14 and note.

103:3 who forgives The psalmist praises God because He forgives sins.

your diseases Refers to a sickness or some condition of illness.

103:4 who redeems The Hebrew word used here, go'el, refers to a person who rescues another from a form of bondage through outside help. The term is applied to situations ranging from physical harm, to slavery, to debt. See note on Job 19:25.

loyal love The psalmist emphasizes God’s love, rather than His justice or retribution. God’s chesed is central to His character. See note on Ps 25:10.

Chesed Word Study

mercies The Hebrew word used here, rachamim, describes a deeply felt care or mercy.

103:5 eagle’s Symbolic of strength and speed, perhaps because of its ability to attack quickly from above.

103:6 deeds of justice The psalmist associates Yahweh’s righteousness with His care and help of the oppressed. Yahweh is a God of right actions. See 97:2 and note.

judgments A judgment or decision in a legal dispute.

103:7 his deeds Probably refers to Yahweh’s work during the exodus—likely the plagues against Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea (Exod 7–12; 14–15).

103:11 those who fear him An attitude of pious reverence toward God. See note on Ps 90:11.

103:17 everlasting to everlasting God’s loving nature has always characterized Him.

his righteousness The psalmist describes God’s righteousness (tsedaqah) as parallel to His chesed (“steadfast love”) for Israel. See v. 6 and note.

to their children’s children This multi-generational relationship between Yahweh and Israel is a feature of Yahweh’s covenant relationship with His people (see v. 18). Compare 90:16 and 102:28.

103:18 his covenant Refers to the relationship between Yahweh and Israel. See 105:8 and note.

his precepts The word piqqudim (“instructions” or “procedures”) occurs only in the latter part of the Book of Psalms (see Psa 119).

103:19 his kingdom rules over all A similar theme to the enthronement psalms (see 93:1 and note). Here, the psalmist emphasizes God’s care and kindness, which distinguishes Psa 103 from Pss 93–99.

103:20 his angels The Hebrew term used here refers to messengers that accomplish an assigned task. Here it is a reference to supernatural beings sent from Yahweh.

103:21 his hosts The Hebrew word used here, tsava, may refer to military armies or to Yahweh’s heavenly host; when referring to the heavenly realm, it can also refer to stars and other heavenly bodies. People can also be a part of Yahweh’s hosts.

his attendants This can refer to the service priests do before Yahweh, but here it seems to refer broadly to those who follow Yahweh. Compare Exod 19:6.

103:22 Bless Yahweh, O my soul See Ps 103:1 and note.