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Commentary on Psalms 103 verses 6–18
Hitherto the psalmist had only looked back upon his own experiences and thence fetched matter for praise; here he looks abroad and takes notice of his favour to others also; for in them we should rejoice and give thanks for them, all the saints being fed at a common table and sharing in the same blessings.
I. Truly God is good to all (Psa 103:6): He executes righteousness and judgment, not only for his own people, but for all that are oppressed; for even in common providence he is the patron of wronged innocency, and, one way or other, will plead the cause of those that are injured against their oppressors. It is his honour to humble the proud and help the helpless.
II. He is in a special manner good to Israel, to every Israelite indeed, that is of a clean and upright heart.
1.He has revealed himself and his grace to us (Psa 103:7): He made known his ways unto Moses, and by him his acts to the children of Israel, not only by his rod to those who then lived, but by his pen to succeeding ages. Note, Divine revelation is one of the first and greatest of divine favours with which the church is blessed; for God restores us to himself by revealing himself to us, and gives us all good by giving us knowledge. He has made known his acts and his ways (that is, his nature, and the methods of his dealing with the children of men), that they may know both what to conceive of him and what to expect from him; so Dr. Hammond. Or by his ways we may understand his precepts, the way which he requires us to walk in; and by his acts, or designs (as the word signifies), his promises and purposes as to what he will do with us. Thus fairly does God deal with us.
2.He has never been rigorous and severe with us, but always tender, full of compassion, and ready to forgive.
(1.)It is in his nature to be so (Psa 103:8): The Lord is merciful and gracious; this was his way which he made known unto Moses at Mount Horeb, when he thus proclaimed his name (Exo 34:6, Exo 34:7), in answer to Moses's request (Psa 33:13), I beseech thee, show me thy way, that I may know thee. It is my way, says God, to pardon sin. [1.] He is not soon angry, Psa 103:8. He is slow to anger, not extreme to mark what we do amiss nor ready to take advantage against us. He bears long with those that are very provoking, defers punishing, that he may give space to repent, and does not speedily execute the sentence of his law; and he could not be thus slow to anger if he were not plenteous in mercy, the very Father of mercies. [2.] He is not long angry; for (Psa 103:9) he will not always chide, though we always offend and deserve chiding. Though he signify his displeasure against us for our sins by the rebukes of Providence, and the reproaches of our own consciences, and thus cause grief, yet he will have compassion, and will not always keep us in pain and terror, no, not for our sins, but, after the spirit of bondage, will give the spirit of adoption. How unlike are those to God who always chide, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of us if God should deal so with us? He will not keep his anger for ever against his own people, but will gather them with everlasting mercies, Isa 54:8; Isa 57:16.
(2.)We have found him so; we, for our parts, must own that he has not dealt with us after our sins, Psa 103:10. The scripture says a great deal of the mercy of God, and we may all set to our seal that it is true, that we have experienced it. If he had not been a God of patience, we should have been in hell long ago; but he has not rewarded us after our iniquities; so those will say who know what sin deserves. He has not inflicted the judgments which we have merited, nor deprived us of the comforts which we have forfeited, which should make us think the worse, and not the better, of sin; for God's patience should lead us to repentance, Rom 2:4.
3.He has pardoned our sins, not only my iniquity (Psa 103:3), but our transgressions, Psa 103:12. Though it is of our own benefit, by the pardoning mercy of God, that we are to take the comfort, yet of the benefit others have by it we must give him the glory. Observe, (1.) The transcendent riches of God's mercy (Psa 103:11): As the heaven is high above the earth (so high that the earth is but a point to the vast expanse), so God's mercy is above the merits of those that fear him most, so much above and beyond them that there is no proportion at all between them; the greatest performances of man's duty cannot demand the least tokens of God's favour as a debt, and therefore all the seed of Jacob will join with him in owning themselves less than the least of all God's mercies, Gen 32:10. Observe, God's mercy is thus great towards those that fear him, not towards those that trifle with him. We must fear the Lord and his goodness. (2.) The fulness of his pardons, an evidence of the riches of his mercy (Psa 103:12): As far as the east is from the west (which two quarters of the world are of greatest extent, because all known and inhabited, and therefore geographers that way reckon their longitudes) so far has he removed our transgressions from us, so that they shall never be laid to our charge, nor rise up in judgment against us. The sins of believers shall be remembered no more, shall not be mentioned unto them; they shall be sought for, and not found. If we thoroughly forsake them, God will thoroughly forgive them.
4.He has pitied our sorrows, Psa 103:13, Psa 103:14. Observe, (1.) Whom he pities - those that fear him, that is, all good people, who in this world may become objects of pity on account of the grievances to which they are not only born, but born again. Or it may be understood of those who have not yet received the spirit of adoption, but are yet trembling at his word; those he pities, Jer 31:18, Jer 31:20. (2.) How he pities - as a father pities his children, and does them good as there is occasion. God is a Father to those that fear him and owns them for his children, and he is tender of them as a father. The father pities his children that are weak in knowledge and instructs them, pities them when they are froward and bears with them, pities them when they are sick and comforts them (Isa 66:13), pities them when they have fallen and helps them up again, pities them when they have offended, and, upon their submission, forgives them, pities them when they are wronged and gives them redress; thus the Lord pities those that fear him. (3.) Why he pities - for he knows our frame. He has reason to know our frame, for he framed us; and, having himself made man of the dust, he remembers that he is dust, not only by constitution, but by sentence. Dust thou art. He considers the frailty of our bodies and the folly of our souls, how little we can do, and expects accordingly from us, how little we can bear, and lays accordingly upon us, in all which appears the tenderness of his compassion.
5.He has perpetuated his covenant-mercy and thereby provided relief for our frailty, Psa 103:15-18. See here, (1.) How short man's life is and of what uncertain continuance. The lives even of great men and good men are so, and neither their greatness nor their goodness can alter the property of them: As for man, his days are as grass, which grows out of the earth, rises but a little way above it, and soon withers and returns to it again. See Isa 40:6, Isa 40:7. Man, in his best estate, seems somewhat more than grass; he flourishes and looks gay; yet then he is but like a flower of the field, which, though distinguished a little from the grass, will wither with it. The flower of the garden is commonly more choice and valuable, and, though in its own nature withering, will last the longer for its being sheltered by the garden wall and the gardener's care; but the flower of the field (to which life is here compared) is not only withering in itself, but exposed to the cold blasts, and liable to be cropped and trodden on by the beasts of the field. Man's life is not only wasting of itself, but its period may be anticipated by a thousand accidents. When the flower is in its perfection a blasting wind, unseen, unlooked for, passes over it, and it is gone; it hangs the head, drops the leaves, dwindles into the ground again, and the place thereof, which was proud of it, now knows it no more. Such a thing is man: God considers this, and pities him; let him consider it himself, and be humble, dead to this world and thoughtful of another. (2.) How long and lasting God's mercy is to his people (Psa 103:17, Psa 103:18): it will continue longer than their lives, and will survive their present state. Observe, [1.] The description of those to whom this mercy belongs. They are such as fear God, such as are truly religious, from principle. First, They live a life of faith; for they keep God's covenant; having taken hold of it, they keep hold of it, fast hold, and will not let it go. They keep it as a treasure, keep it as their portion, and would not for all the world part with it, for it is their life. Secondly, They live a life of obedience; they remember his commandments to do them, else they do not keep his covenant. Those only shall have the benefit of God's promises that make conscience of his precepts. See who those are that have a good memory, as well as a good understanding (Psa 111:10), those that remember God's commandments, not to talk of them, but to do them, and to be ruled by them. [2.] The continuance of the mercy which belongs to such as these; it will last them longer than their lives on earth, and therefore they need not be troubled though their lives be short, since death itself will be no abridgment, no infringement, of their bliss. God's mercy is better than life, for it will out-live it. First, To their souls, which are immortal; to them the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting; from everlasting in the councils of it to everlasting in the consequences of it, in their election before the world was and their glorification when this world shall be no more; for they are predestinated to the inheritance (Eph 1:11) and look for the mercy of the Lord, the Lord Jesus, unto eternal life. Secondly, To their seed, which shall be kept up to the end of time (Psa 102:28): His righteousness, the truth of his promise, shall be unto children's children; provided they tread in the steps of their predecessors' piety, and keep his covenant, as they did, then shall mercy be preserved to them, even to a thousand generations.
Our life on earth, brothers, is such that our existence is very transitory. We play, as it were, a game on earth: we do not exist, and we are born, and being born we are dissolved. We are like a fleeting dream, an apparition without substance, the flight of a bird that passes, a ship that leaves no trace on the sea. We are dust, a vapor, the morning dew, a flower growing but a moment and withering in a moment. “[A] man’s days are as grass: as the flower of the field, so shall he flourish.” Beautifully has blessed David meditated on our weakness. Again he says, “Declare to me how few are my days.” He defines the days of humankind as the measure of a handbreadth. What would you say to Jeremiah, who, complaining of his birth, even blames his mother, and that, for the failings of others? “I have seen everything,” says Ecclesiastes. I have reviewed in my mind all human things, wealth, luxury, power, glory that is not stable, wisdom that eludes us more often that it is mastered. ON HIS BROTHER ST.
Concerning the resurrection more will be said later; but now let us return to our immediate subject. We have shown that even holy people have, without any consideration for their merits, suffered many difficult things in this world, together with toil and misery. So David, in self-reflection, says, “Remember, Lord, that we are dust; as for [a] man, his days are but as grass”; and in another place, “[A] man is like a breath, his days pass away as a shadow.” For what is more wretched than we, who are sent into this life as it were plundered and naked, with frail bodies, deceitful hearts, weak minds, anxious in regard to cares, slothful as to labor, prone to pleasures.
In your reflections therefore on yourself, think of your low estate, think of your dust: be not lifted up: if you are anything better, you will be so by His Grace, you will be so by His mercy. For hear what follows: "but the mercy of the Lord endures for ever and ever upon them that fear Him" [Psalm 103:17]. You who fear not Him, will be grass, and in grass, and in torment with the grass: for the flesh shall arise unto the torment. Let those who fear Him rejoice, because His mercy is upon them.
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SUMMARY
Psalm 103:17 profoundly declares the eternal, unwavering nature of God's covenant faithfulness and righteousness, presenting a striking contrast to the brevity of human life. It asserts that the LORD's boundless mercy extends from eternity past to eternity future, specifically resting upon those who revere Him, and His just character and blessings are faithfully bestowed upon their descendants through successive generations, underscoring His immutable character and enduring commitment to His people across time.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 103:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most striking is Contrast, as the verse immediately follows descriptions of humanity's ephemeral nature Psalm 103:14-16, setting God's eternal attributes against human transience. This creates a powerful sense of divine stability and reliability. Merism is evident in the phrase "from everlasting to everlasting," which encompasses all time, emphasizing the boundless and unending nature of God's mercy. This hyperbole underscores divine eternity. The verse also utilizes Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "the mercy of the LORD" and "his righteousness" are parallel concepts, both extending to those who fear Him and their descendants. This reinforces the idea that God's character is consistently merciful and just. Furthermore, there is a subtle Metonymy in "children's children," which stands for future generations or descendants, indicating the enduring legacy of God's covenant faithfulness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 103:17 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the immutability and covenant faithfulness of God. It assures believers that God's character, particularly His chêçêd (steadfast love/mercy) and tsᵉdâqâh (righteousness), is not subject to change or the limitations of human existence. This eternal quality provides a secure foundation for faith, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of human life. The verse underscores that God's promises and His very being are utterly dependable, extending not only to the individual but also to their lineage, demonstrating His commitment to multi-generational blessing for those who walk in reverential awe of Him. It speaks to the enduring legacy of faith and the faithfulness of God across time, affirming that His character is the ultimate anchor for hope and security.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 103:17 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to living. In a world characterized by constant change, pervasive uncertainty, and the undeniable brevity of human life, this verse reminds us of the unchanging, eternal nature of God's mercy and righteousness. It assures us that our hope is anchored in a God whose love has no beginning and no end, a love that is not earned by human merit but freely given to those who approach Him with reverential awe and trust. This profound truth should inspire deep gratitude and unshakeable confidence, freeing us from the anxieties of fleeting circumstances and the disappointments of human transience. Furthermore, the promise of God's righteousness extending "unto children's children" challenges us to consider our spiritual legacy. Our faithfulness, our commitment to fearing the LORD, has implications far beyond our own lives, potentially shaping the spiritual trajectory of future generations. This calls us to live intentionally, modeling faith and obedience, and praying for God's continued blessing upon our families and descendants, fostering a heritage rooted in divine favor and covenant faithfulness, and passing on a vibrant faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "fear him" truly mean in this context, and how is it different from being afraid?
Answer: In biblical language, particularly in the Old Testament, "fearing the LORD" (Hebrew: yârêʼ') does not primarily mean being terrified or scared of God in a debilitating sense. Instead, it denotes a profound, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission to His majesty, holiness, and authority. It is an acknowledgment of His supreme power and sovereignty, coupled with a deep love and trust in His character and commands. This "fear" leads to obedience, worship, and a desire to live in accordance with His will, recognizing that He is the source of all wisdom and blessing. It's the appropriate response of a creature to its Creator, fostering a healthy, loving, and obedient relationship, as seen in passages like Proverbs 1:7, which states that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.
How does God's righteousness extend "unto children's children"? Is it an automatic inheritance?
Answer: God's righteousness extending "unto children's children" signifies His multi-generational faithfulness and covenant commitment, rather than an automatic, unconditional inheritance of salvation or blessing. It is a promise that God's righteous character and His covenant blessings will continue to be revealed and offered through successive generations of those who maintain a relationship of reverential fear and obedience to Him. It implies that the spiritual heritage established by faithful parents can create an environment conducive to faith and blessing for their descendants. While each individual must still respond to God in faith, God's faithfulness ensures that the opportunity for relationship and the experience of His righteous dealings remain available to the family line that walks in His ways. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament covenant promises, such as those found in Deuteronomy 5:9-10, where God promises to show mercy to thousands of generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 103:17, with its declaration of God's eternal mercy and righteousness extending to generations, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "mercy of the LORD" (חֶסֶד, chêçêd') is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the very incarnation of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. His coming was the ultimate demonstration of God's mercy, as He took on human flesh to redeem humanity from sin and death, a truth beautifully articulated in John 3:16, where it states that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Furthermore, the "righteousness" of God, which extends "unto children's children," is not merely an attribute but is actively imputed to believers through faith in Christ. He became our righteousness 2 Corinthians 5:21, establishing a New Covenant where God's promises are secured not by human lineage or perfect obedience, but by Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection. Those who "fear him"—a fear now transformed into loving adoration and trust in the Redeemer—are brought into this eternal covenant, and the blessings of salvation, forgiveness, and new life are extended not just to their physical descendants but to all who are spiritually born into God's family across all generations and nations, through the power of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:39, as Peter proclaimed that the promise is for them and their children and all who are far off. Thus, Christ is the eternal wellspring of God's mercy and the guarantor of His righteousness for all who believe, forever extending His saving grace.