What attributes of God are highlighted in Psalm 104:1, and why? Verse at a Glance “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty.” (Psalm 104:1) Key Attributes Highlighted • Greatness – “You are very great,” underscoring God’s infinite superiority over His creation (cf. Psalm 145:3). • Splendor – the radiant glory that surrounds God, pointing to His perfect beauty and holiness (cf. Exodus 15:11). • Majesty – kingly authority and sovereign rule, signaling that He alone reigns over all (cf. Psalm 93:1). • Personal Nearness – “O LORD my God” combines the covenant name (YHWH) with the possessive “my,” revealing both His transcendence and intimate relationship with His people (cf. Psalm 23:1). • Worthiness of Praise – the opening call, “Bless the LORD,” sets worship as the only fitting response to these revealed qualities (cf. Revelation 4:11). Scriptural Echoes • Isaiah 6:1 – Isaiah sees the Lord “high and exalted,” echoing the splendor and majesty robe imagery. • 1 Timothy 6:15-16 – God alone is “King of kings” who dwells in unapproachable light, paralleling His greatness. • Psalm 96:6 – “Splendor and majesty are before Him,” reinforcing the recurring Old Testament theme. • Revelation 19:6 – Heavenly voices cry, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns,” matching the psalmist’s praise. Why These Attributes Are Emphasized • To establish the foundation for the rest of Psalm 104, which celebrates God’s creative and sustaining work; recognizing His greatness sets the stage for acknowledging His control over every detail of creation. • To move the worshiper from self-focus to God-focus, beginning with a direct command to the soul to bless the LORD. • To reassure believers that the One who rules the universe is personally their God, fostering trust and obedience. • To cultivate humility; realizing God’s majestic splendor exposes human finiteness and drives genuine reverence. • To invite continual worship that flows from correct theology—seeing God as He is naturally produces praise. Living It Out • Start daily worship by recalling these same attributes; speak them aloud to align heart and mind with truth. • When creation inspires awe (sunrise, storm, starry sky), let Psalm 104:1 remind you of the God whose greatness the scene reflects. • In moments of worry, remember the “very great” and majestic Lord is also “my God,” present and faithful. |
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