Psalms 103:20
Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say angels obey God's word; it emphasizes they "hearken to the voice of his word." This isn't mere compliance, but an attentive, immediate response to God's spoken commands, showing their perfect attunement to His every directive. This highlights a profound eagerness and readiness in their service that calls us to listen more closely to God's voice in our own lives.
After calling on his own soul to bless God, the psalmist expands the invitation to the highest heavenly beings, the angels. These powerful, obedient messengers are urged to praise God because of their perfect understanding of His might and their constant, joyful execution of His commands. This broadens the scope of praise, showing that even the most glorious creatures are indebted to the Lord, thereby encouraging all of creation to join in worship.
Have you ever thought about what angels are doing? This verse isn't just describing them; it's calling them to action. It's an invitation to worship that echoes through the heavens.
The psalmist, after reflecting on God's immense goodness and mercy towards him and humanity, broadens the scope of worship in Psalm 103. He calls upon the highest order of creatures – God's angels – to join in the praise.
Why Angels?
What does it look like to really obey God? This verse gives us a glimpse through the lens of angelic action.
The description of angels goes beyond mere existence; it highlights their active and perfect obedience. They are characterized by two key actions:
Doing God's Word
Understand the original words
mal'ak · Hebrew Noun
Heavenly beings who act as messengers and agents of God, carrying out His will and participating in the worship of His majesty.
This passage speaks of angels being in the presence of God, constantly beholding His face, which implies a deep understanding and readiness to obey His word, mirroring the description in Psalms 103:20.
Hebrews 1:14It describes angels as 'all of them continually ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation,' highlighting their obedient service that stems directly from God's command and will.
Revelation 5:11-12This vision in Revelation depicts countless angels, elders, and living creatures surrounding God's throne, all joining in a powerful chorus of praise, 'Worthy is the Lamb,' demonstrating the 'blessing' and awe that God inspires in His mighty heavenly hosts.
1 Kings 22:19This verse provides a glimpse into the heavenly council, showing God on His throne with His 'host of heaven' standing beside Him, ready to receive His commands, emphasizing their role as obedient servants of His word.
Luke 2:13-14The appearance of a multitude of the heavenly host praising God at the birth of Jesus shows angels actively proclaiming God's glory and goodness, fulfilling their role as messengers and worshippers as described in the psalm.
gillPsalms 103:20: "Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."
Bless the Lord, ye his angels,.... For their creation, being made by him; for their preservation, living, moving, and having their being in him; and for their happiness, in which they are continued, owing to their being chosen of God in Christ, and to their confirmation by Christ. These are always employed in the work of blessing and praising the Lord nor are…
ellicottPsalms 103:20: "Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."
(20) Just as in the highest revelation made by Jesus Christ the angels in heaven rejoice over the repentant sinner, so in the psalmist’s view the mercy of Jehovah to his faithful people is cause for high acclaim among the hosts around the throne.
The verse doesn't just say angels obey God's word; it emphasizes they "hearken to the voice of his word." This isn't mere compliance, but an attentive, immediate response to God's spoken commands, showing their perfect attunement to His every directive. This highlights a profound eagerness and readiness in their service that calls us to listen more closely to God's voice in our own lives.
After calling on his own soul to bless God, the psalmist expands the invitation to the highest heavenly beings, the angels. These powerful, obedient messengers are urged to praise God because of their perfect understanding of His might and their constant, joyful execution of His commands. This broadens the scope of praise, showing that even the most glorious creatures are indebted to the Lord, thereby encouraging all of creation to join in worship.
After calling on his own soul to bless God, the psalmist expands the invitation to the highest heavenly beings, the angels. These powerful, obedient messengers are urged to praise God because of their perfect understanding of His might and their constant, joyful execution of His commands. This broadens the scope of praise, showing that even the most glorious creatures are indebted to the Lord, thereby encouraging all of creation to join in worship.
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The Nature of Their Obedience
"Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!" — The verse doesn't just say angels obey God's word; it emphasizes they "hearken to the voice of his word." This isn't mere compliance, but an attentive, immediate response to God's spoken commands, sh…
