Overview: (BKC) After reviewing the mercies of God toward him, David found hope in his people’s covenant relationship with the Lord, though they were sinful and frail. In this confidence the psalmist called on all creation to bless their Lord.
Meaning of praise in v.1-3: (EBC) As the psalmist exhorts himself to praise the Lord with his “soul” (nep̱eš, vv. 1–2) and “inmost being,” he has nothing else in mind than a full commitment to the act of giving thanks...The praise of God is focused on “his name.” The “name” of the Lord calls to remembrance all his perfections and acts of deliverance... The Lord had revealed his name Yahweh to Israel (Exod 6:6–8; cf. 3:18) so that they might witness his benefits in the redemption from Egypt, in the giving of the land, and in the fulfillment of his promises. The psalmist recites many of the Lord’s blessings to the covenant community (vv. 3–22). Praise is the response of awe for God, while reflecting on what the Lord has done for the people of God throughout the history of redemption, for creation at large, for the community, and for oneself. Praise also has an eschatological dimension, as the psalmist reflects on the ultimate righteousness that the Lord will establish.
The opposite of “praise” is “forgetfulness.” To “forget” (v. 2) the “benefits” (g-m-l; cf. v. 10) of the Lord is to disregard his covenantal lordship (cf. Deut 4:9, 23; 6:12; 8:11; 32:18).
Note and reflection:David began the psalm with calling His soul to praise God, "O my soul" v.1-6. Then he recorded what God has done to Israel, "our sins" v.10, "the guilt of our rebellious actions," v.12, "the LORD has compassion on his faithful followers" v.13, 17." In v.18, he added that the LORD shows loyal love to the faithful followers and their descendants who keep His covenant. Finally, David called the angels to praise God who also carrying out God's decrees.
Note and reflection:David began the psalm with calling His soul to praise God, "O my soul" v.1-6. Then he recorded what God has done to Israel, "our sins" v.10, "the guilt of our rebellious actions," v.12, "the LORD has compassion on his faithful followers" v.13, 17." In v.18, he added that the LORD shows loyal love to the faithful followers and their descendants who keep His covenant. Finally, David called the angels to praise God who also carrying out God's decrees.
Do we talk to ourselves and remind ourselves about God? Who God is? What He has done to ourselves personally? What He has done to our church?
As David has clarified these blessings are for those who fear the Lord and obey Him. Do we?
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