Psalm 103:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.

NIV: He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:

NASB: He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the sons of Israel.

CSB: He revealed his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel.

NLT: He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.

KJV: He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

NKJV: He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.

The Lord revealed His ways to Moses, so that Moses could understand not only what the Lord was doing but also why He was doing it. Moses understood that God required His people to be holy because He, the Lord, is holy (Leviticus 19:2). He instructed Moses to convey this message to Israel. At Mount Sinai Moses prayed, "If I have found favor in your sight, please show me your ways" (Exodus 33:13). The Lord responded by showing Moses His glory and promising to be gracious and merciful (Exodus 33:19).

The Lord showed Israel His acts: His mighty deeds. We read in Psalm 78:12–29 about His miraculous efforts on Israel's behalf. God performed wonders in Egypt (Deuteronomy 6:22). He parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22). He led the Israelites by a cloud and a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21–22). He gave them water from a rock (Exodus 17:1–6; Numbers 20:7–8). He fed them with manna and quail (Exodus 16:13–16). All these benefits from the Lord were reasons to praise Him.

Psalm 103:6–19 reflects on the Lord's benefits to Israel. Deuteronomy 6:1–15 contains the Lord's promise to bless the people of Israel if they would obey him. Psalm 105 and 106 are companion psalms that stress the Lord's goodness to Israel.

Psalm 103 praises God for what He has done. This includes celebration of His personal influence, as well as the way God has blessed the nation of Israel. David encourages praises from himself, from the people in general, and even from the angels and hosts of heaven.

Psalm 103 is one of four psalms which complete the fourth division of the book of Psalms (Psalms 90—106). These four psalms ascribe praise to the Lord. Psalm 103 was written by David and expresses his gratitude to the Lord for all His benefits. First Thessalonians 5:18 conveys the same theme of thanksgiving by exhorting believers to ''give thanks in all circumstances.''

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 5/4/2024 1:02:06 AM