30 Days in the PsalmsSýnishorn

Day #23: Psalm 103

In Psalm 103, we once again hear David’s voice lifted in prayer. This beautiful psalm is framed by David’s “self-talk,” as he calls his “soul” (that is, his entire being) to bless the Lord: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name” (vv. 1, 22, NRSV). This urge to bless the Lord—to honor and praise him—flows out of David’s experience of “the benefits” (v. 2) of being in right relationship with the King and Creator. He has experienced forgiveness of sin, healing of disease, rescue, a heaping portion of steadfast mercy and love, a satisfying abundance of goodness, and renewed vigor (vv. 3–5).

David knows that his experience of these good gifts is not because of any inherent worthiness in himself, but wholly because of who God is. He blesses God by extolling his character (vv. 6–18). This is the God who “works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed,” just as he did for Israel in the exodus. He is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”—one of the central declarations about God throughout the Old Testament. His mercy, grace, patience, and love are on display in his dealings with his children: “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” His compassion for his people is like that of a good father toward his children. He is aware of human frailty, fragility, and sinful fallibility, but meets those weaknesses with forgiveness and grace when his people cling to him and his covenant.

David concludes by remembering the truth that was lifted up repeatedly in the Adonai malakh psalms—the Lord is King! He shouts out: “The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all” (v. 19). And so David enlists the voices of “all his works in all places of his dominion” to join him in blessing the Lord (v. 22).

Today is a good day to bless the Lord and to remember all his benefits!