All creation—humans and angels alike—owes unceasing praise to God.
King David, believed to have lived from about 1010-970 BC, is credited with writing Psalm 103 as an expression of heartfelt worship. In this psalm, he invites not only humans but the heavenly hosts to praise God. By addressing them directly, David conveys a sense of awe at how God’s sovereign power extends to angels. David’s life spanned an era in Israel’s monarchy that was formative for the worship practices of the nation, and “Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word!” (v.20) underscores how David includes these mighty heavenly beings in centering all praise on the LORD.
By calling upon angels who “perform His word” (v.20), the psalmist highlights that these spiritual messengers serve God with unwavering faithfulness. Their might is demonstrated through their ability to enact divine will, reflecting the boundless power the LORD has given them. In the New Testament, angels similarly serve as ministering spirits for those inheriting salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Their role as obedient servants emphasizes God’s utter sovereignty in all creation, whether in the earthly realm or the realm of heaven, and their actions are always in alignment with His righteous purposes.
The phrase “Obeying the voice of His word!” (v.20) provides a glimpse of the angels’ posture of complete submission to God’s commands. It invites us to reflect on our own willingness to heed the divine voice and respond with prompt obedience, just as the angels do. Although no particular place is named in this verse, the context of Psalm 103 and its ancient Israelite setting situates us geographically in the land governed by David’s reign, where worship and devotion were central to national identity. Ultimately, this verse foreshadows the unified praise that Jesus Himself would gather from both the heavenly hosts and His followers on earth (Luke 2:13-14).
Set to dark mode
Psalms 103:20 meaning
King David, believed to have lived from about 1010-970 BC, is credited with writing Psalm 103 as an expression of heartfelt worship. In this psalm, he invites not only humans but the heavenly hosts to praise God. By addressing them directly, David conveys a sense of awe at how God’s sovereign power extends to angels. David’s life spanned an era in Israel’s monarchy that was formative for the worship practices of the nation, and “Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word!” (v.20) underscores how David includes these mighty heavenly beings in centering all praise on the LORD.
By calling upon angels who “perform His word” (v.20), the psalmist highlights that these spiritual messengers serve God with unwavering faithfulness. Their might is demonstrated through their ability to enact divine will, reflecting the boundless power the LORD has given them. In the New Testament, angels similarly serve as ministering spirits for those inheriting salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Their role as obedient servants emphasizes God’s utter sovereignty in all creation, whether in the earthly realm or the realm of heaven, and their actions are always in alignment with His righteous purposes.
The phrase “Obeying the voice of His word!” (v.20) provides a glimpse of the angels’ posture of complete submission to God’s commands. It invites us to reflect on our own willingness to heed the divine voice and respond with prompt obedience, just as the angels do. Although no particular place is named in this verse, the context of Psalm 103 and its ancient Israelite setting situates us geographically in the land governed by David’s reign, where worship and devotion were central to national identity. Ultimately, this verse foreshadows the unified praise that Jesus Himself would gather from both the heavenly hosts and His followers on earth (Luke 2:13-14).