Psalms 103:20
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Original Language Analysis
בָּרֲכ֥וּ
Bless
H1288
בָּרֲכ֥וּ
Bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 10
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
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מַלְאָ֫כָ֥יו
ye his angels
H4397
מַלְאָ֫כָ֥יו
ye his angels
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 10
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
כֹ֭חַ
in strength
H3581
כֹ֭חַ
in strength
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
5 of 10
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
עֹשֵׂ֣י
that do
H6213
עֹשֵׂ֣י
that do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
דְּבָרֽוֹ׃
his commandments
H1697
דְּבָרֽוֹ׃
his commandments
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 10
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗עַ
hearkening
H8085
לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗עַ
hearkening
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
8 of 10
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 148:2Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Luke 1:19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.Psalms 78:25Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full.Matthew 26:53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?2 Kings 19:35And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.Joel 2:11And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?Isaiah 6:2Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.Psalms 29:1Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.Matthew 6:10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Historical Context
Angels in Hebrew thought were powerful spiritual beings serving as God's messengers and agents. Israel understood them as part of God's heavenly court, executing His will throughout creation.
Questions for Reflection
- What can you learn from angels about prompt, wholehearted obedience to God's word?
- How does knowing angels serve believers affect your view of God's care for you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Angels 'excel in strength' and 'do his commandments,' serving as perfect models of obedient service. They 'hearken unto the voice of his word,' responding immediately to God's instructions. This angelic obedience challenges believers to similar responsiveness. The Reformed emphasis on God's glory recognizes that all creation, including angels, exists to serve and glorify Him. Christ, superior to angels (Heb 1:4), commissions angels to serve believers (Heb 1:14), demonstrating the dignity of redeemed humanity.