Psalms 103:20 - Bible Commentary

"Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."

Introduction

Psalms 103 is a majestic psalm that emphasizes the mercy and benevolence of God toward His people. In verse 20, the psalmist invites the angels to bless the Lord. This verse serves as a reminder of the heavenly hosts’ role in fulfilling God's will and their continuous worship of Him. Various public domain commentaries provide valuable insights into this verse, relevant for pastors, theologians, and scholars alike.

General Insights

The angels, as described in Psalm 103:20, are servants of God, characterized by their strength and obedience. These celestial beings are depicted as a model of the devotion that the faithful should aspire to. They excel in strength, indicating not only their power but also their purity of purpose—serving unerringly in the execution of God's commandments.

• Divine Authority: The verse underscores the authority of God as it is through His command that the angels act. This establishes a crucial theological principle: that everything in creation, visible and invisible, is under God's sovereign rule.
• Role of Angels: As reported by Adam Clarke, angels are agents of God's providence, actively involved in human affairs. Their presence in this verse emphasizes that they partake in worship and serve God's purposes.
• Worship and Obedience: According to Matthew Henry, angels possess a unique position in the divine order, not merely as servitors but as vicars of God's will. Their hearkening unto God’s word is a profound response of worship.

Commentary from Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry highlights the themes of reverence and praise in this psalm. He notes how this verse is a summons to the angels to worship God for His greatness and majesty. The angels, being powerful spiritual beings, serve with absolute fidelity to God's will. They serve not only as protectors and messengers but also as examples of responding rightly to God's authority.

Henry emphasizes that the expression "that excel in strength" suggests the angels' superior capabilities compared to humans. This notion invites believers to recognize that while God's work is facilitated through angels, His power ultimately transcends all creation. The call for angels to bless the Lord also exemplifies the inclusivity of worship — extending to heavenly beings.

Commentary from Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes elaborates on the word "bless," noting that it involves the acknowledgment of God’s glory and mercies. He interprets the command for angels to bless as a recognition of their role in the heavenly order. For Barnes, the angels' obedience in hearkening unto God’s voice indicates a deep, responsive relationship with their Creator, further illustrating the connection between God and His creation, as well as the call for believers to mirror this devotion.

Barnes also reflects on the active role of angels in the lives of God’s people. Their ministry, as divine messengers, underscores God's continuous engagement with humanity. The encouragement for angels to bless the Lord fosters an understanding of God’s nature and His desire for His creation — both spiritual and physical — to partake in praise.

Commentary from Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke contemplates the angelic beings described in Psalm 103:20 as mighty spirits who possess great integrity and obedience. His analysis points to the importance of obedience to God's commandments as a fundamental characteristic of not only angels but also believers. Clarke stresses that this obedience is not simply for the sake of duty but springs from a profound love for God and His purposes.

Clarke also notes that the angels' hearkening to God's voice can serve as a model for human believers. Just as the angels listen intently to God’s word, Christians are called to cultivate a similar posture of attentiveness and responsiveness to God’s guidance and commands.

Theological Implications

The implications of Psalm 103:20 extend far beyond the cosmic order of angels. This verse provides a critical lens for understanding God's sovereignty, the nature of worship, and the believer's response to divine authority. It invites a deeper reflection on how various beings, both celestial and terrestrial, fit into God's grand narrative of redemption and worship.

• Sovereignty of God: The command encapsulates God’s authority, asserting that even angels are subject to His will.
• The Nature of Worship: The act of blessing the Lord illustrates that worship is not limited to humans; it is a universal act of creation. All beings are called to recognize and honor God.
• Human Responsibility: As angels serve and praise God, believers are similarly called to exemplify obedience to God's word in their lives, fostering an authentic life of faith.

Concluding Thoughts

Psalm 103:20 serves as both a majestic invitation and a profound theological declaration about the nature of worship and obedience. The insights drawn from commentaries enrich our understanding of the relationship between God and angels while encouraging believers to engage actively in their calling to bless the Lord. For pastors and theologians, this verse presents an opportunity to explore themes of cosmic worship and divine authority, enhancing the congregational or scholarly discourse on how creation — from the highest heavens to humanity — is interwoven in the desire to glorify God.