Psalms 103:7

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יוֹדִ֣יעַ
He made known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
דְּרָכָ֣יו
his ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#3
לְמֹשֶׁ֑ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#4
לִבְנֵ֥י
unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
יִ֝שְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
עֲלִילֽוֹתָיו׃
his acts
an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection