Background Scripture: Psalm 103
Lesson Context: Psalms 101-106 speak of the people’s responsibilities in various ways and tell Israel’s story in ways that challenge complacency. Psalm 103 and Psalm 104 fit within this grouping, as they encourage readers to continue being a community of praise.
l. Call to Worship (Psalm 103: 1-5):
A. What to Do (vv. 1-2). 1a. “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” To “bless” is more than to praise, it is to praise with affection and gratitude. The psalmist calls upon his own soul, and so on each individual soul, to begin the song of praise, which is to terminate in a general chorus of blessing from all creation (vv. 20-22). “And that is within me.” All my whole nature – intellect, emotion, feeling, sentiment – brain, heart, lungs, tongue.” Etc. Bless his holy Name, his is manifested Personality, which is almost the same thing as himself. (Pulpit Bible Commentary)
2a. “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” The word “bless,” as applied to God, means to praise, implying always a strong affection for him as well as a sense of gratitude.
The word “soul” is equivalent to mind or heart: my mental and moral powers, as capable of understanding and appreciating his favors. The soul of man was “made” to praise and bless God; to enjoy his friendship; to delight in his favor; to contemplate his perfections. (Barnes Notes on the Bible). 2b. “And forget not all his benefits” – In order to our duty, praising God for his mercies, it is necessary we should have grateful remembrance of them. And we may be assured we do forget them, in the sense here meant by the psalmist, if we do not give sincere and hearty thanks for them. (Benson Bible Commentary)
B. Why to Do It (vv. 3-5). 3. “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thine diseases.” Who forgiveth all thine iniquities: This is mentioned first, because, by the pardon of sin, that which prevented our receiving good things is taken away, and we are restored to the favour of God, which ensures good things to us, and bestows them upon us. (Benson Bible Commentary)
ll. Acknowledge Divine Grace (Psalm 103:6-14):
Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of us, if God should deal so with us?? The scripture says a great deal of the mercy of God, and we all have experienced it. The father pities his children that are weak in knowledge, and teaches them; pities them when they are froward, and bears with them; pities them when they are sick, and comforts them; pities them when they are fallen, and helps them to rise; pities them when they have offended, and, upon their submission, forgives them; pities them when they are wronged, and rights them: thus the Lord pities those that fear him. See why he pities. He considers the frailty of our bodies, and the folly of our souls, how little we can do, how little we can bear; in all his compassion appears. (Matthew Henry Bible Commentary)
Conclusion:
A. God knows us! Psalm 103 insists that God knows us. And because of his knowledge, He is compassionate toward us. (International Sunday School Lessons KJV 2024-2025)
