King James Version
Psalms 103
22 verses with commentary
Bless the Lord, O My Soul
A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
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KJV Study Commentary
David's self-exhortation to 'Bless the LORD' (Hebrew 'barak'—to kneel, praise) initiates this magnificent hymn of praise. The dual summons—to the soul (nephesh) and 'all that is within me'—calls the entire inner person to unified worship. Blessing God's 'holy name' means reverencing His revealed character and attributes. This internal dialogue demonstrates that worship requires intentional engagem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-5. cruel man--**corrupt and ill-natured--literally, "sour."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 103
Chapter Outline
An exhortation to bless God for his mercy.(1-5)
And to the church and to all men.(6-14)
For the constancy of his mercy.(15-18)
For the government of the world.(19-22)
**Verses 1-5**
By the pardon of sin, that is taken away which kept good things from us, and we are restored to the favor of God, who bestows good things on us. Think of the provoc...
Read full commentary →Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.</strong> This verse intensifies the previous call to worship (verse 1) by addressing a universal human tendency: spiritual amnesia. The Hebrew <em>al-tishkechi</em> (אַל־תִּשְׁכְּחִי, "forget not") uses a strong prohibitive form, commanding the soul to actively resist forgetfulness. The word <em>gemulav</em> (גְּמוּלָיו, "his bene...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Benefits.**—Literally, *actions, *whether good or bad (Judges 9:16; Proverbs 12:14). But what a significance in the restricted meaning “benefits.” God’s *acts *are all *benefits.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-5. cruel man--**corrupt and ill-natured--literally, "sour."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 103
Chapter Outline
An exhortation to bless God for his mercy.(1-5)
And to the church and to all men.(6-14)
For the constancy of his mercy.(15-18)
For the government of the world.(19-22)
**Verses 1-5**
By the pardon of sin, that is taken away which kept good things from us, and we are restored to the favor of God, who bestows good things on us. Think of the provoc...
Read full commentary →Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.</strong> This verse begins the catalog of God's benefits with the two most fundamental human needs: forgiveness and healing. The Hebrew <em>hasoleiach</em> (הַסֹּלֵחַ, "who forgiveth") uses a participle indicating continuous, characteristic action—God is the forgiver by nature. <em>Avonayiki</em> (עֲוֹנָיְכִי, "your iniquiti...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Forgiveth.**—The first “benefit” to one who aims at the higher life is the knowledge of the Divine readiness to forgive and renew, and this, as Augustine remarks, implies a quick moral sense: “God’s benefits will not be before our eyes unless our sins are also before our eyes.”
**Diseases.**—Here chiefly in a moral sense, as the parallelism “iniquity” shows, even if the next verse, taken lit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
**my praise ... of thee--**literally, "in" or "by Thee" (Psa 22:25).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 103
Chapter Outline
An exhortation to bless God for his mercy.(1-5)
And to the church and to all men.(6-14)
For the constancy of his mercy.(15-18)
For the government of the world.(19-22)
**Verses 1-5**
By the pardon of sin, that is taken away which kept good things from us, and we are restored to the favor of God, who bestows good things on us. Think of the provoc...
Read full commentary →Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
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KJV Study Commentary
God 'redeems' (ga'al) from destruction, using kinsman-redeemer language that anticipates Christ's work. He crowns with 'lovingkindness' (chesed) and 'tender mercies' (racham), covenant terms emphasizing God's faithful love. The imagery of redemption from the pit suggests rescue from death or Sheol. God doesn't merely save from danger but honors the redeemed with royal crowns of grace. This points ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Destruction.**—Rather, *pit, *or *grave, *as in Psalm 16:10.
**Crowneth.**—A metaphor drawn from the common custom of wearing wreaths and garlands on festive occasions (Ecclesiasticus 32:2). Comp. Psalm 8:5.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
**my praise ... of thee--**literally, "in" or "by Thee" (Psa 22:25).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 103
Chapter Outline
An exhortation to bless God for his mercy.(1-5)
And to the church and to all men.(6-14)
For the constancy of his mercy.(15-18)
For the government of the world.(19-22)
**Verses 1-5**
By the pardon of sin, that is taken away which kept good things from us, and we are restored to the favor of God, who bestows good things on us. Think of the provoc...
Read full commentary →Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
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KJV Study Commentary
God satisfies the mouth with good things, resulting in renewed youth like the eagle's. The eagle was known for longevity and periodic renewal of its feathers, symbolizing rejuvenation. This physical blessing points to deeper spiritual renewal. The Reformed understanding of progressive sanctification sees God continually renewing believers through His Word and Spirit. Christ promises abundant life ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Mouth.**—On the Hebrew word thus rendered, see Psalm 32:9. The word there adopted (“trappings,” or “ornaments”) would Commend itself here, from the evident allusion in the next clause to the moulting of the bird, and its appearance in new plumage, if the expression “to satisfy ornament with good” were in any way intelligible. The LXX. and Vulg. have “desire; the Syriac “body;” but the Chalde...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
**my praise ... of thee--**literally, "in" or "by Thee" (Psa 22:25).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 103
Chapter Outline
An exhortation to bless God for his mercy.(1-5)
And to the church and to all men.(6-14)
For the constancy of his mercy.(15-18)
For the government of the world.(19-22)
**Verses 1-5**
By the pardon of sin, that is taken away which kept good things from us, and we are restored to the favor of God, who bestows good things on us. Think of the provoc...
Read full commentary →The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
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KJV Study Commentary
God 'executes righteousness' (tsedaqah) and 'judgment' (mishpat) for all the oppressed. This isn't arbitrary favoritism but commitment to justice for the vulnerable. God's character as defender of the oppressed permeates Scripture (Deut 10:18, Ps 146:7-9). The Reformed emphasis on God's justice recognizes both His punitive judgment of sin and His protective justice toward victims. Christ's ministr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Oppressed.**—From individual the poet passes to national mercies, and goes back to the memorable manifestations of Divine favour vouchsafed to Moses.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
**my praise ... of thee--**literally, "in" or "by Thee" (Psa 22:25).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of u...
Read full commentary →He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
God made known His 'ways' (derek) to Moses and His 'acts' (alilah) to Israel. This distinction is crucial: Israel saw God's miraculous deeds, but Moses understood God's character and patterns. Intimate knowledge of God's ways enables deeper relationship than merely witnessing His acts. The Reformed emphasis on the knowledge of God recognizes that understanding His character and purposes is essenti...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Moses.**—A direct reference to Exodus 33:13.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, 2Sa 17:12; Psa 3:2; 7:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of u...
Read full commentary →The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. plentious: Heb. great in mercy
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse quotes God's self-revelation to Moses (Exod 34:6-7), central to Israel's understanding of God's character. 'Merciful' (rachum) and 'gracious' (channun) emphasize God's compassion. 'Slow to anger' (erek appayim, literally 'long of nostrils') and 'plenteous in mercy' (rab chesed) demonstrate patience and abundant covenant love. These attributes ground all theology—God's essence is graciou...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Merciful and Gracious.**—The original confession (Exodus 34:6) had become a formula of the national faith. In addition to the marginal references, see Joel 2:13, Psalm 145:8.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, 2Sa 17:12; Psa 3:2; 7:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of u...
Read full commentary →He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
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KJV Study Commentary
God will not 'always chide' (rib, meaning to contend or accuse) nor keep His anger forever. This doesn't mean God overlooks sin but that His discipline is temporary and purposeful. Anger isn't God's natural state toward His people; it's a response to covenant unfaithfulness. The Reformed understanding of God's wrath recognizes its reality but emphasizes its ultimate purpose in restoration. Christ ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9, 10) This reflection naturally follows after the last quotation from Exodus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12. (Compare Psa 22:19; 40:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of u...
Read full commentary →He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
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KJV Study Commentary
God doesn't deal with us 'according to our sins' or reward 'according to our iniquities,' which would mean universal condemnation. This is the gospel in miniature—God's grace withholds deserved punishment and bestows undeserved favor. The Reformed doctrine of justification recognizes that God treats believers according to Christ's righteousness, not their own failures. Christ received the treatmen...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13. (Compare Psa 35:4; 40:14).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of u...
Read full commentary →For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. as: Heb. according to the height of the heaven
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KJV Study Commentary
The immeasurable height of heaven above earth illustrates the greatness of God's mercy (chesed) toward those who fear Him. This cosmic comparison emphasizes that divine mercy infinitely surpasses human comprehension or merit. 'Fear' (yare) here means reverent trust, not terror. The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty highlights that His mercy is great because He is great. Christ descended from ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **So great is his mercy toward.**—Literally, *Strong is his mercy upon *(or, *over*)*. *(Comp. Psalm 117:2.) The comparison in the first clause, and the use of this expression in Genesis 49:26 and 2Samuel 11:23, suggests as the right rendering here
For as the heaven is higher than the earth,
So far (above what was expected) for them fearing him prevails his mercy.
(For the same comparison, se...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of u...
Read full commentary →As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.</strong> This verse stands as one of Scripture's most powerful and poetically beautiful statements about the completeness of divine forgiveness. The comparison "as far as the east is from the west" (<em>kirechok mizrach mima'arav</em>, כִּרְחֹק מִזְרָח מִמַּעֲרָב) employs a spatial metaphor to describe ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of u...
Read full commentary →Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's fatherly compassion toward those who fear Him provides intimate, relational context for mercy. The Hebrew 'pities' (racham) shares a root with 'womb,' suggesting motherly tenderness. This parental imagery grounds theology in relationship, not mere legal transaction. The Reformed understanding of adoption recognizes that believers aren't merely pardoned criminals but become God's beloved chil...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Father.**—This anticipation of Christ’s revelation of the paternal heart of God, is found also in the prophets.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of u...
Read full commentary →For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
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KJV Study Commentary
God 'knows our frame' (yetser, meaning formation or constitution) and 'remembers that we are dust' (aphar, the substance from which Adam was made). This isn't excuse-making but realism about human frailty. God's knowledge of our limitations informs His patient dealings with us. The Reformed doctrine of creation recognizes humans as finite creatures, not miniature deities. Christ, though divine, to...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Frame.**—Rather, *fashioning; *referring to Genesis 2:7, or possibly to the image so common in the prophecy of the potter’s vessel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
**taught me, &c.--**by providential dealings.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of u...
Read full commentary →As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
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KJV Study Commentary
Human life is 'as grass' and flourishes 'as a flower of the field,' emphasizing transience and fragility. This botanical metaphor (used also in Isa 40:6-8, 1 Pet 1:24) contrasts human mortality with God's eternality. Days ('yamim) plural emphasizes that even accumulated years amount to brief existence. Yet Scripture values this brief life highly when lived for God's glory. Christ's resurrection pr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
**taught me, &c.--**by providential dealings.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
How short is man's life, and uncertain! The flower of the garden is commonly more choice, and will last the longer, for being sheltered by the garden-wall, and the gardener's care; but the flower of the field, to which life is here compared, is not only withering in itself, but exposed to the cold blasts, and liable to be cropt and trod on by the beasts of the field. Such is m...
Read full commentary →For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. it is: Heb. it is not
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KJV Study Commentary
The wind (ruach) passes over the flower, and 'it is gone' with 'the place thereof knowing it no more.' This extends the grass metaphor, emphasizing how quickly life ends and is forgotten. Yet this sobering reality isn't the psalm's conclusion but its foil for God's everlasting mercy (v.17). The Reformed understanding of mortality recognizes death's reality while affirming resurrection hope. Christ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **The wind**—*i.e., *the hot, scorching blast, as in Isaiah 40:7. Even in our humid climate, it may be said of a flower—
“If one sharp wind sweep o’er the field,
It withers in an hour.”
But the pestilential winds of the East are described as bringing a heat like that of an oven, which immediately blasts every green thing.
**Know it no more.**—Comp. Job 7:10. Man vanishes away without leaving ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
**taught me, &c.--**by providential dealings.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
How short is man's life, and uncertain! The flower of the garden is commonly more choice, and will last the longer, for being sheltered by the garden-wall, and the gardener's care; but the flower of the field, to which life is here compared, is not only withering in itself, but exposed to the cold blasts, and liable to be cropt and trod on by the beasts of the field. Such is m...
Read full commentary →But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
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KJV Study Commentary
God's mercy is 'from everlasting to everlasting' ('olam ve'ad olam) upon those who fear Him, contrasting dramatically with grass-like human transience. His righteousness extends to 'children's children,' showing covenant faithfulness across generations. This eternal, multigenerational mercy is the psalm's climax, demonstrating that while humans fade, God's chesed endures forever. The Reformed emph...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
**taught me, &c.--**by providential dealings.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
How short is man's life, and uncertain! The flower of the garden is commonly more choice, and will last the longer, for being sheltered by the garden-wall, and the gardener's care; but the flower of the field, to which life is here compared, is not only withering in itself, but exposed to the cold blasts, and liable to be cropt and trod on by the beasts of the field. Such is m...
Read full commentary →To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
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KJV Study Commentary
Divine mercy extends specifically to 'such as keep his covenant' and 'remember his commandments to do them.' This isn't works-righteousness but covenant relationship characterized by obedience. Covenant-keeping demonstrates genuine faith; obedience flows from love (John 14:15). The Reformed understanding of covenant theology recognizes that salvation is by grace through faith alone, yet true faith...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
**taught me, &c.--**by providential dealings.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
How short is man's life, and uncertain! The flower of the garden is commonly more choice, and will last the longer, for being sheltered by the garden-wall, and the gardener's care; but the flower of the field, to which life is here compared, is not only withering in itself, but exposed to the cold blasts, and liable to be cropt and trod on by the beasts of the field. Such is m...
Read full commentary →The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
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KJV Study Commentary
God has 'prepared' (kun, meaning established firmly) His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom 'rules over all' (mashal ba-kol). This cosmic sovereignty means no realm escapes God's authority. The Reformed doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty recognizes that He governs all events, from cosmic to personal, for His glory and His people's good. Christ is seated on this throne (Rev 3:21), exercisin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Prepared.**—Rather, *established.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it.
**will ... praise--**literally, "will thank."
**even thy truth--**as to Thy truth or faithfulness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
He who made all, rules all, and both by a word of power. He disposes all persons and things to his own glory. There is a world of holy angels who are ever praising him. Let all his works praise him. Such would have been our constant delight, if we had not been fallen creatures. Such it will in a measure become, if we are born of God. Such it will be for ever in heaven; nor can...
Read full commentary →Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. that excel: Heb. mighty in strength
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KJV Study Commentary
Angels 'excel in strength' and 'do his commandments,' serving as perfect models of obedient service. They 'hearken unto the voice of his word,' responding immediately to God's instructions. This angelic obedience challenges believers to similar responsiveness. The Reformed emphasis on God's glory recognizes that all creation, including angels, exists to serve and glorify Him. Christ, superior to a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) Just as in the highest revelation made by Jesus Christ the angels in heaven rejoice over the repentant sinner, so in the psalmist’s view the mercy of Jehovah to his faithful people is cause for high acclaim among the hosts around the throne.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it.
**will ... praise--**literally, "will thank."
**even thy truth--**as to Thy truth or faithfulness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
He who made all, rules all, and both by a word of power. He disposes all persons and things to his own glory. There is a world of holy angels who are ever praising him. Let all his works praise him. Such would have been our constant delight, if we had not been fallen creatures. Such it will in a measure become, if we are born of God. Such it will be for ever in heaven; nor can...
Read full commentary →Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's 'hosts' (tsaba, meaning armies) are His ministers doing His pleasure. This military terminology emphasizes God's power and sovereignty over spiritual forces. 'Ministers' (sharat) suggests both worship and service. All heavenly beings exist to accomplish God's will. The Reformed doctrine of creation recognizes that everything exists for God's glory, not its own purposes. Christ commands these...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Hosts.**—There are apparently in the psalmist’s thought three grades of beings in the hierarchy of praise:—
1.High angels around the throne.
2. Angelic powers, such as *winds, lightnings,* &c, specially commissioned to do God’s behests, as in Psalm 104:4.
3.Creation generally. (Comp. Psalms 148)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it.
**will ... praise--**literally, "will thank."
**even thy truth--**as to Thy truth or faithfulness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
He who made all, rules all, and both by a word of power. He disposes all persons and things to his own glory. There is a world of holy angels who are ever praising him. Let all his works praise him. Such would have been our constant delight, if we had not been fallen creatures. Such it will in a measure become, if we are born of God. Such it will be for ever in heaven; nor can...
Read full commentary →Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm concludes with a universal call to bless the LORD: 'all his works in all places of his dominion.' This cosmic doxology includes all creation in worshiping God. Then David personalizes it: 'bless the LORD, O my soul,' returning to the psalm's opening. This structure—from personal to universal and back to personal—demonstrates that individual worship connects to cosmic worship. The Reforme...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **All his works.**—Not only the heavens and their hosts, but
“Earth with her thousand voices praises God.”
Nor can the psalmist himself remain silent, but must repeat the self-dedication with winch he began his song.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
He who made all, rules all, and both by a word of power. He disposes all persons and things to his own glory. There is a world of holy angels who are ever praising him. Let all his works praise him. Such would have been our constant delight, if we had not been fallen creatures. Such it will in a measure become, if we are born of God. Such it will be for ever in heaven; nor can...
Read full commentary →