Psalms 103:21
Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
Original Language Analysis
בָּרֲכ֣וּ
Bless
H1288
בָּרֲכ֣וּ
Bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 7
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
יְ֭הוָה
ye the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
ye the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צְבָאָ֑יו
all ye his hosts
H6635
צְבָאָ֑יו
all ye his hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
4 of 7
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
מְ֝שָׁרְתָ֗יו
ye ministers
H8334
מְ֝שָׁרְתָ֗יו
ye ministers
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
5 of 7
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
Cross References
1 Kings 22:19And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.Psalms 104:4Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:Nehemiah 9:6Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.Luke 2:13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Joshua 5:14And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?Genesis 32:2And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
Historical Context
The title 'LORD of hosts' (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasized God's command over spiritual and earthly armies. This military imagery would resonate with ancient Israelites familiar with warfare and the importance of strong armies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding yourself as part of God's 'army' shape your sense of purpose?
- What does it mean practically to be a 'minister' who does God's pleasure?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's 'hosts' (tsaba, meaning armies) are His ministers doing His pleasure. This military terminology emphasizes God's power and sovereignty over spiritual forces. 'Ministers' (sharat) suggests both worship and service. All heavenly beings exist to accomplish God's will. The Reformed doctrine of creation recognizes that everything exists for God's glory, not its own purposes. Christ commands these heavenly armies and will return with them (Rev 19:14) to establish God's kingdom fully.