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No.9.
Psalms 103:, 107:, 119:, 133:, 150:
pp. 201 207
Psalm 103:
In Eph. 5: 18, 19 we are exhorted to be filled by the Spirit, speaking in psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our heart to the Lord. In
Psalm 103: we have one that we can use regularly to the Lord's praise. It is divided into
three parts: Personal (verses 1-5); National (6-18) and Universal (19-22). There are
22 verses, the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet and the great covenant name of
Jehovah occurs 10 times.
First of all we are called to "bless the Lord" for his wondrous goodness and matchless
benefits which we are so apt to forget (1, 2). These are expressed in forgiveness, healing,
redemption, crowning, satisfaction and renewal. Dr. Alexander Whyte used to say that in
these verses we have the Law Court--forgiveth all thine iniquities; the Hospital--
healeth all thy diseases; the Slave Market--redeemeth thy life from destruction; the
Throne Room--crowneth thee with loving kindness; and the Banquet Hall--satisfieth
thy mouth with good things! God's infinite graciousness is portrayed in the following
verses, His slowness to chide and His swiftness to bless. His mercy is unmeasurable as
the height from earth to heaven (11) or its breadth from east to west (12). Our sins are
forever gone. They have been blotted out because they have been borne by the Redeemer
Himself. No wonder the Psalmist says "the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to
everlasting" (17) and who can measure this?
As the Psalm comes to its end there is a crescendo of praise from the whole creation in
heaven and earth. The myriads of angels and heavenly beings join in the chorus and so a
mighty paeon ascends to our great God and Saviour Who alone is worthy to receive it.
"Bless the Lord (Jehovah), all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the Lord
(Jehovah), O my soul."
Psalm 107:
This wonderful Psalm belongs to a group of three, namely 105:, 106:, 107: If we add
the testimony of Psa. 104:, then we have a summary of the O.T. for this Psalm gives the
narrative of creation, Psa. 105: the Patriarchal history, Psa. 106: the story of Israel in the
land of promise to the Babylonian Captivity, and Psa. 107: the return of the exiles from
Babylon.
Psalm 107: has an introduction (1-3) and a conclusion (43) and in between two
sections, verses 4-32 and 33-42. In the introduction Israel are called upon to give thanks
to the Lord for His delivering mercies from exile (2-7). It is not enough for them to feel
grateful. They must say so and give an external acknowledgment of their gratitude. This