What is the meaning of Psalm 103:20? Bless the LORD David’s summons echoes the opening of the psalm: “Bless the LORD, O my soul” (Psalm 103:1). Here the focus widens from his own soul to the heavenly host. • “Bless” means to speak well of, to praise with heartfelt gratitude. Every time we see His goodness—like “He forgives all your iniquities” (Psalm 103:3)—we have fresh fuel for worship. • Praise is not optional; it is the fitting response to the holy God who “is enthroned upon the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). When we bless the LORD, we join an unending chorus already resounding in heaven (Revelation 4:8–11). all His angels Angels are personal, created beings (Colossians 1:16) who constantly worship God. Hebrews 1:6 commands, “Let all God’s angels worship Him.” Their inclusion here shows that praise is not merely terrestrial; it fills the entire created order. • At Jesus’ birth “a multitude of the heavenly host appeared…praising God” (Luke 2:13–14). • Angels set the example for earthbound believers: worship is their consuming occupation, and ours will be too (Revelation 7:11). mighty in strength Angels possess extraordinary power, yet every ounce of that power is submitted to the LORD. One angel struck down 185,000 Assyrians in a single night (2 Kings 19:35). Another illuminated the earth with his glory (Revelation 18:1). • Their might magnifies God’s majesty; the greater the servant, the greater the Master who commands him. • If such powerful beings devote themselves to praising and serving God, how much more should we who have tasted His redeeming grace (Psalm 103:4). who carry out His word Angels actively perform whatever God speaks. “He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants” (Psalm 104:4). They are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). • When God decrees, angels deliver—guiding Lot out of Sodom (Genesis 19), bringing food to Elijah (1 Kings 19), rolling away the stone from Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 28:2). • Their readiness to act illustrates perfect alignment with the divine will, challenging believers to the same obedience (John 14:15). who hearken to the voice of His command “Hearken” stresses attentive, immediate response. Gabriel told Daniel, “Your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (Daniel 10:12). To Zechariah he said, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God…sent to speak to you” (Luke 1:19). • Angels do not debate or delay; they listen and obey. • The verse shows the seamless link between God’s voice and angelic action—an illustration of how authority and obedience operate in His kingdom (Matthew 8:9–10). summary Psalm 103:20 calls the angelic host to join the psalmist in wholehearted praise. These mighty, obedient servants spotlight God’s greatness: their strength is derived, their service is devoted, and their worship is unceasing. By portraying angels who instantly heed every divine word, the verse invites believers to echo their example—blessing the LORD with joyful voices and obedient lives. |
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