Psalms 103:1 - John Trapp Complete Commentary

Bible Comments

Psalms 103:1 «[A Psalm] of David. » Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.

A Psalm of David] Which he wrote when carried out of himself, as far as heaven, saith Beza; and therefore calleth not upon his own soul only, but upon all creatures, from the highest angel to the lowest worm, to set forth God's praises.

Ver. 1. Bless the Lord, O my soul] Agedum animule mi, et intima men viscera. A good man's work lieth most within doors; he is more taken up with his own heart than with all the world besides; neither can he ever be alone so long as he hath God and his own soul to converse with. David's harp was not oftener out of tune than his heart, which here he is setting right, that he may the better make melody to the Lord. Music is sweet, but the setting of the strings in tune is unpleasing; so is it harsh to set our hearts in order, which yet must be done, and thoroughly done, as here.

And all that is within me] All my faculties and senses. The whole soul and body must be set awork in this service; the judgment, to set a right estimate upon mercies; the memory, to recognize and retain them, Deuteronomy 6:11,12; Deuteronomy 8:14; the will, which is the proper seat of thankfulness; the affections, love, desire, joy, confidence; all must be actuated, that our praises may be cordial, vocal, vital. In peace offerings God called for the fat and inwards.

Psalms 103:1

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.