Unique psalms: here David shows us how to summon ourselves to praise. The main subjects are God’s forgiveness of, and compassionate acts toward, His people, both flowing from His character, and infinitely exceeding our guilt and inadequacy. The pinnacle of praise then lifts to Heaven.
A series of studies on extraordinary psalms — psalms that are special or distinctive in some way. These unique psalms record David’s prayers for many striking and individual themes that require our attention, including sanctification, guidance, spiritual dependence and greater communion.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion:
Bless the LORD, O my soul.
Related Resources
Saul and David Contrasted
A fresh look at the famous defeat of Goliath showing that for the believer all events are a spiritual matter. Here it is seen that spiritual tenacity and strength co-exist with gentleness and kindness. Here also is the difference between working by flesh or spirit. Related Resource: Spiritual Lessons from Saul and David & From … Continued
The Conversion of David
Israel’s greatest king – David – was also a remarkable teacher, prophet and psalmist. But it was as a youth that he found a personal relationship with the living God, and this psalm recalls the experience that changed his life and took him from shepherding to ruling. You May Be Also Interested in… Sermon: King David’s … Continued
King David’s View of Life
The 23rd psalm is the most famous of David’s poetic compositions, but people often do not realise it is the king’s brilliant summary of his view of life – of how he saw himself before his Creator – and how he came to find and know Him.
David Sees Messiah’s Reign
Probably David’s last and most uplifting psalm containing standards for his successors but chiefly soaring into messianic prophecy. Here is spelled out the character, extent and fruits of Christ’s reign using vivid pictures exclusively fulfilled by the One ‘who only doeth wondrous things’.