Psalm 103

The four psalms that close book IV of the book of Psalms (90–106) emphasize praise to the Lord for several reasons: His benefits to His people (103), His care of His creation (104), His wonderful acts on behalf of Israel (105), His longsuffering with His people’s rebellion (106). There are no requests in this psalm; it is only praise to the Lord. In studying this psalm, we must remember that God’s blessings on Israel depended on their obedience to His covenant (vv. 17-18), and believers today must also be obedient to God’s will if they would enjoy God’s best (2 Cor. 6:14–7:1). The psalm also admonishes us not to forget the blessings after we have received them and enjoyed them. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18 nkjv). David started with individual and personal praise (vv. 1-6), then moved to national praise (6-19), and concluded with universal praise (vv. 20-22).