September 24, 2024
How can we make sense of God's justice and mercy?
Psalm 103
Scot Buchanan
Big Book Idea
Thinking and feeling God's way.
Key Verse | Psalm 103:6-8
The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 103
Bless the LORD, O My Soul
Of David.
1
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6
The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7
He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9
He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13
As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
14
For he knows our frame;
1
103:14
Or knows how we are formed
he remembers that we are dust.
15
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17
But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18
to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19
The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20
Bless the LORD, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21
Bless the LORD, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22
Bless the LORD, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 103:1–2 Each member of the worshiping congregation urges himself to bless the LORD, that is, to speak well of God for his abundant generosity. Thus forget not all his benefits is a crucial step in blessing the Lord. The body of the psalm lists these benefits in order to bring each singer to gratitude.
Ps. 103:3 Heals often refers to curing someone from a physical sickness, but it can also be used as a metaphor for restoring the moral and spiritual life (e.g., Isa. 6:10; 53:5; Jer. 3:22; Hos. 14:4). Since it is in parallel with forgives, the metaphorical use may be intended here. Thus iniquity is like diseases, which weaken and corrupt. It is God’s mercy that takes them away. These sentiments reflect David’s own experience of God’s forgiveness (see 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51).
Ps. 103:6 Righteousness and justice are the blessings of protection from those who might cause harm (see 33:5; 97:2; Deut. 16:18; Isa. 5:7). The Lord extends these blessings to all who are oppressed, but especially to his own people (see Ps. 146:7).
Ps. 103:7 The Lord’s acts reveal his enduring commitment to his people. That is, they express his ways.
Ps. 103:8–13 The language of these verses (slow to anger, steadfast love, shows compassion) recalls Ex. 34:6, where the Lord proclaims his own name.
Ps. 103:14 he knows our frame. The Lord remembers the limitations of the human perspective (dust is not eternal or all-knowing). He is patient with his people.
Ps. 103:17–18 the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting. See 25:6; 100:5. Those who fear him (compare 103:11, 13) are the same as those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. They are the faithful who believe the promises and obey the commands (Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:9; see John 14:15, 21). The faithful expect that God sets his saving love on their children’s children. This is a great privilege: though their lives are short and appear almost insignificant, they may still contribute to the future well-being of God’s people by their godly and prayerful parenting.
Psalm Ps. 103. This is a hymn of praise, celebrating the Lord’s abundant goodness and love for his people. It is the first of four psalms reflecting on God’s dealings with his people from creation to exile. Psalm 103 introduces the sequence by recalling that Israel’s survival in Moses’ time was due to God’s steadfast love. It begins with each individual singer exhorting his or her own soul to bless the Lord. It then lists the benefits that the soul should be careful not to forget. The crowning benefit is God’s enduring love to the descendants of the faithful, which leads the worshipers to encourage all the angelic hosts and all creation to join in blessing the Lord. These benefits come to the individual but benefit the wider community as well (vv. 6–14; 17–18).
Ps. 103:20–22 After listing all these benefits, the psalm returns to urging various creatures to bless the LORD, echoing vv. 1–2. He addresses the angels and mighty ones and even the material creation (all his works, in all places of his dominion; compare v. 19). The overflow of goodness and steadfast love that God’s works reveal compels his people to call on the angels and all of nature (see 19:1) to join in their celebration.
S3:188 Psalm 103
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 103
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!," Psalm 103:1 states. He is worthy of our praise! Yes, He is worthy of our praise! In verses 1-5, David "blesses" the Lord. In doing so, David sees and acknowledges the majesty and greatness of God. His words of adoration remind himself—and us—that it is God who forgives, redeems, crowns, and satisfies. These are the heartfelt words from a soul that knows how desperate he is. Let us praise Him, too!
To acknowledge the character of God, as David did, moves him to understand how God works out His goodness in our lives and the lives of others. Thus, David calls out God's glorious acts in Psalm 103:6-13: He is righteous. He is just (Jeremiah 33:15). He is merciful. He is slow to anger (Exodus 34:6). So, for us today it is in Jesus we can make sense of these things—His justice, His compassion, His grace, His patience, His slowness to anger, and His abounding love. It's Jesus who is the visible image of God (Colossians 1:15-23). Throughout all of Scripture, we are taught by the Holy Spirit and constantly reminded of the love of God in Jesus alone. Let us praise Him as we see Him as He is!
As I write this, I'm in a new season as a father to six and grandfather to two sweet girls and a baby boy. It's a new season that I'm not prepared for. I'm reminded once again, as David was, of the primacy and necessity of my praise that leads me to both live out and teach the love of God, in the name of Jesus, to each generation that follows—both my children and my grandchildren. His steadfast love "is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him," Psalm 103:17a says. Bless the Lord, my soul.
May today be for you one of praise and adoration of the goodness, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience of our God. He is worthy of all our praise and blessing.
This month's memory verse
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
– Galatians 5:25
Discussion Questions
1. Today, take five minutes to write each of the identified characteristics of God in this psalm. Now, in prayer, take 10 minutes to reflect on and praise Him for each of these.
2. How have you seen each of these displayed in your life? How have you seen these displayed in people close to you?
3. Throughout the four Gospels in the New Testament, we see the life of Jesus. How do you see these qualities in Jesus? Can you find verses in the Bible that speak to each of these qualities in Jesus' life?
4. Whether you are far from God or close to Him, what characteristics of God's love, compassion, mercy, and grace can you praise Him for now with the words "Bless the Lord, O my soul, because of Your ____________"?
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