What does "all His works" refer to in Psalm 103:22? Setting the Scene Psalm 103 closes with a sweeping call to worship: “Bless the LORD, all His works in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!” (Psalm 103:22) David has just summoned angels (v. 20) and heavenly hosts (v. 21) to praise the LORD. Now he widens the circle to “all His works.” Zooming In on the Phrase “All His works” points to everything God has brought into being or accomplished: - Every created thing—visible and invisible (Genesis 1; Colossians 1:16). - Every ongoing act of providence by which He “sustains all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3). - Every redemptive act, climaxing in the cross and resurrection (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 1:18-19). - Every judgment and deliverance recorded in Scripture (Exodus 14; Daniel 4). The phrase literally gathers up the whole sweep of God’s creative and saving activity. Creation Joins the Chorus Scripture repeatedly pictures creation itself praising its Maker: - “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). - “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD” (Psalm 150:6). - Even inanimate realms are summoned: “Let the rivers clap their hands” (Psalm 98:8). Therefore “all His works” includes mountains, oceans, stars, animals—everything God fashioned. This is a comprehensive, universe-wide invitation to bless the LORD. Redemption Is Part of the Works David’s own story of forgiveness in Psalm 103 (vv. 3-5, 10-12) sits inside this larger canvas: - Forgiveness of sins - Healing of diseases - Redemption from the pit - Crowning with steadfast love and compassion These are as much God’s “works” as the creation of galaxies. The apostle Paul echoes this: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Why the Emphasis on “All” By twice repeating “all” (all His works, all places of His dominion), David underlines: - God’s universal rule—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). - The fittingness of universal praise—“All Your works will give You thanks, O LORD” (Psalm 145:10). - The certainty that no corner of the universe, no moment in history, is outside God’s active involvement. Personal Response After calling the cosmos to worship, David circles back to himself: “Bless the LORD, O my soul!” The logical flow is simple: - If everything God made is praising Him, my own soul must not be silent. - My daily gratitude joins the thunder of praise echoing through creation and eternity (Revelation 4:11). “All His works” therefore refers to every created thing and every act of God’s power, wisdom, and grace—each one a fresh reason for us to bless His holy name. |
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