Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's truly striking here is that the angels are called to bless God because they obey. Their obedience isn't just a duty; it's the very expression of their worship, so immediate and complete that they are described as "hearkening to the voice of His word." It highlights that true worship is intimately tied to alignment with God's will, even for the mightiest heavenly beings.
Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm has been recounting God's abundant mercies and faithfulness, especially towards Israel. Now, the psalmist broadens the scope of praise beyond himself, calling upon the mighty angels, who are perfectly obedient and powerful, to bless the Lord. This grand invitation to celestial beings serves to underscore God's supreme authority and the universal scope of His reign, urging all creation to join in worship.
The Psalmist calls upon angels, the most powerful beings in creation, to join in praising God. What makes them so suited for this task?
This verse introduces us to angels not as mythical figures, but as powerful beings intimately involved in God's purposes. They are described as 'mighty in strength' and characterized by their perfect obedience.
Unmatched Power
Angels possess immense strength, far surpassing human capabilities. This power isn't for their own glory, but is employed in service to the Almighty.
Perfect Obedience
Unlike humans, who often struggle with sin and disobedience, angels 'do his commandments' and 'hearken to the voice of his word' without fail. Their existence is a constant act of worship and service, flawlessly executing God's will.
The psalm escalates its call to worship, inviting heavenly beings to join in. Why does the Psalmist extend this invitation so broadly?
The psalmist's call to angels isn't just a command; it's an invitation to reflect the reality of heaven. God's throne is established in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. The angels are His immediate attendants, constantly in His presence.
Universal Praise
By calling on angels, the psalmist acknowledges that human praise, though vital, is not the sum total of worship. God is worthy of praise from every corner of His creation, especially from those closest to Him.
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Inspiring Human Worship
This cosmic scene of worship serves to inspire us. Seeing the mighty angels, beings of incredible power and perfect obedience, praising God, should stir our own souls to offer our best praise, even with our human limitations.
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 describes angels as ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are going to inherit salvation, highlighting their obedient service to God's will, just as Psalm 103:20 mentions them doing His word.
Luke 15:10This verse speaks of the joy among the angels in heaven over one sinner who repents, showing their deep connection to God's redemptive purposes and their active participation in reflecting God's heart, aligning with the idea of angels blessing the Lord.
Revelation 7:11Here, all the angels are depicted falling down before the throne, worshipping God and acknowledging His sovereignty, which echoes the call in Psalm 103:20 for angels to bless the Lord.
Matthew 6:10Jesus teaches His followers to pray 'Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,' directly referencing the perfect obedience of the heavenly hosts to God's word and will, as described in Psalm 103:20.
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.
What's truly striking here is that the angels are called to bless God because they obey. Their obedience isn't just a duty; it's the very expression of their worship, so immediate and complete that they are described as "hearkening to the voice of His word." It highlights that true worship is intimately tied to alignment with God's will, even for the mightiest heavenly beings.
The psalm has been recounting God's abundant mercies and faithfulness, especially towards Israel. Now, the psalmist broadens the scope of praise beyond himself, calling upon the mighty angels, who are perfectly obedient and powerful, to bless the Lord. This grand invitation to celestial beings serves to underscore God's supreme authority and the universal scope of His reign, urging all creation to join in worship.
The psalm has been recounting God's abundant mercies and faithfulness, especially towards Israel. Now, the psalmist broadens the scope of praise beyond himself, calling upon the mighty angels, who are perfectly obedient and powerful, to bless the Lord. This grand invitation to celestial beings serves to underscore God's supreme authority and the universal scope of His reign, urging all creation to join in worship.
"Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!" — What's truly striking here is that the angels are called to bless God because they obey. Their obedience isn't just a duty; it's the very expression of their worship, so immediate and complete that…
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Last reviewed October 2026