Psalms 103:20-21
Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While we often see angels as powerful enforcers, this verse highlights their role as listeners. They don't just do God's word; they are described as "hearkening unto the voice of his word," emphasizing their constant, attentive readiness to receive and obey His very command. This shows their obedience stems not from blind duty, but from attentive listening to God's spoken will.
The psalm has been a personal outpouring of praise and thanksgiving for God's mercy, and now the psalmist broadens the scope to include all of creation. He calls upon the very angels, described as powerful beings who perfectly obey God's every command, to join in blessing the Lord. This ultimate exhortation expands the call to worship beyond humanity to the highest heavenly hosts, emphasizing God's supreme authority and the vastness of His dominion.
Ever wondered about the beings God created to serve Him? This verse gives us a glimpse into their nature and role.
The psalmist calls on angels to 'bless the LORD' and describes them as 'mighty in strength' who 'do his word, obeying the voice of his word.' This highlights several key aspects of these heavenly beings:
Unmatched Power
Angels are described as 'mighty in strength.' This isn't just about physical power, but a profound capacity to execute God's will. They are depicted as strong and capable, reflecting the grandeur of their Creator.
Perfect Obedience
They 'do his word' and 'obey the voice of his word.' Unlike humans, angels are portrayed as consistently and perfectly obedient. They listen intently to God's commands and carry them out immediately and fully. This perfect adherence is a testament to their nature and their relationship with God.
God's Will in Action
Their very existence and actions are centered around fulfilling God's commands. They are not autonomous but are entirely focused on executing His pleasure. This makes them a powerful expression of God's sovereign will in the universe.
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Why would the psalmist call on angels to praise God? This verse reveals a grander perspective on worship.
Psalms 103 begins and ends with the call to the psalmist's own soul to bless the LORD. However, in verse 20, this call expands to include the highest of God's creation – His angels.
Recognizing God's Worthiness
The invitation to angels underscores that God's worthiness of praise is so immense that even beings of supreme power and purity are His devoted worshippers. It's a recognition that our praise, though vital, is part of a much larger, cosmic chorus.
Inspiring Human Worship
By calling on angels, the psalmist isn't just stating a fact; he's using the ultimate example to stir up human hearts to worship. If these mighty beings constantly praise God, how much more should we, who have received such specific acts of mercy and redemption?
Universal Dominion
The context of Psalms 103 emphasizes God's kingdom ruling over all. Praising God isn't just a human activity; it's a reality that spans the heavens, involving all of His created hosts.
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.
barak · Hebrew Verb
To speak well of, praise, or bestow honor upon God. It is an act of adoration and submission that recognizes God’s authority and goodness.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies God’s eternal existence, faithfulness, and His active relationship with His people.
tsaba · Hebrew Noun
Refers to armies or groups, often used in Scripture to describe the angelic beings or heavenly creatures that surround God’s throne and carry out His commands.
sharath · Hebrew Noun
Those who serve God by performing specific tasks or duties. In a biblical context, it implies one who stands in the presence of a superior to execute their instructions.
ratson · Hebrew Noun
That which God desires, purposes, or determines. It encompasses both His sovereign decree and His moral requirements for creation.
This passage shows angels actively praising God, highlighting their role as heavenly messengers who carry out His word and voice.
Hebrews 1:14This verse describes angels as ministering spirits sent out to serve those who will inherit salvation, echoing their role as obedient servants of God's word.
Revelation 7:11This vision portrays countless angels falling down and worshipping God, emphasizing their strength and their constant presence before His throne in worship.
Matthew 6:10Jesus' model prayer includes the petition 'your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,' which reflects the perfect obedience of angels in heaven 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.
While we often see angels as powerful enforcers, this verse highlights their role as listeners. They don't just do God's word; they are described as "hearkening unto the voice of his word," emphasizing their constant, attentive readiness to receive and obey His very command. This shows their obedience stems not from blind duty, but from attentive listening to God's spoken will.
The psalm has been a personal outpouring of praise and thanksgiving for God's mercy, and now the psalmist broadens the scope to include all of creation. He calls upon the very angels, described as powerful beings who perfectly obey God's every command, to join in blessing the Lord. This ultimate exhortation expands the call to worship beyond humanity to the highest heavenly hosts, emphasizing God's supreme authority and the vastness of His dominion.
The psalm has been a personal outpouring of praise and thanksgiving for God's mercy, and now the psalmist broadens the scope to include all of creation. He calls upon the very angels, described as powerful beings who perfectly obey God's every command, to join in blessing the Lord. This ultimate exhortation expands the call to worship beyond humanity to the highest heavenly hosts, emphasizing God's supreme authority and the vastness of His dominion.
"Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!" — While we often see angels as powerful enforcers, this verse highlights their role as listeners. They don't just do God's word; they are described as "hearkening unto the voice of his word," emphasizi…
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