Psalms 103:2

Authorized King James Version

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Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Original Language Analysis

בָּרֲכִ֣י Bless H1288
בָּרֲכִ֣י Bless
Strong's: H1288
Word #: 1 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
נַ֭פְשִׁי O my soul H5315
נַ֭פְשִׁי O my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 2 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְאַל H408
וְאַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 5 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּ֝שְׁכְּחִ֗י and forget H7911
תִּ֝שְׁכְּחִ֗י and forget
Strong's: H7911
Word #: 6 of 8
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
גְּמוּלָֽיו׃ not all his benefits H1576
גְּמוּלָֽיו׃ not all his benefits
Strong's: H1576
Word #: 8 of 8
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital

Cross References

Psalms 116:12What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?Isaiah 63:7I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.Psalms 105:5Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;Deuteronomy 6:12Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.Deuteronomy 32:18Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.Deuteronomy 32:6Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?2 Chronicles 32:25But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.Psalms 106:21They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;Psalms 106:7Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.Isaiah 63:1Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Analysis & Commentary

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. This verse intensifies the previous call to worship (verse 1) by addressing a universal human tendency: spiritual amnesia. The Hebrew al-tishkechi (אַל־תִּשְׁכְּחִי, "forget not") uses a strong prohibitive form, commanding the soul to actively resist forgetfulness. The word gemulav (גְּמוּלָיו, "his benefits") refers to God's dealings, recompenses, and beneficial acts—everything He has graciously given.

The phrase "all his benefits" emphasizes totality—not selective gratitude for favorite blessings, but comprehensive remembrance. Verses 3-5 enumerate specific benefits (forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, satisfaction, renewal), but the principle extends beyond any list. Biblical memory is not passive recollection but active engagement with God's faithfulness that shapes present trust and future hope.

This command to "forget not" appears frequently in Deuteronomy (6:12, 8:11, 8:14) where Israel is warned against prosperity-induced amnesia. Remembering God's benefits serves multiple purposes: it fuels gratitude, strengthens faith during trials, prevents presumption, and motivates obedience. The soul must be intentionally directed toward remembrance because our natural drift is toward forgetfulness, ingratitude, and self-sufficiency.

Historical Context

Psalm 103 is a Davidic psalm of pure praise, likely written in his later years when he could reflect on a lifetime of God's faithfulness through trials, sins, and deliverances. Ancient Israel had a culture of remembrance built into their religious calendar—Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, Sabbath—all designed to prevent forgetting God's mighty acts.

The command to remember God's benefits stands in stark contrast to the surrounding nations' capricious deities who demanded appeasement but offered no covenant faithfulness. Israel's God established a record of specific, historical interventions (Exodus deliverance, wilderness provision, conquest victories) that could be recalled and celebrated. This wasn't mythology but history.

In David's personal history, he had experienced dramatic deliverances (from Goliath, Saul, rebellions, battles), devastating failures (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion), and restoration through God's merciful forgiveness. His call to remember wasn't theoretical but emerged from decades of experiencing both God's discipline and His tender compassion. The temple worship system David established emphasized continual remembrance through daily sacrifices, psalms, and festivals.

Questions for Reflection

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