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Psalms 103:13
Verse
Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
pitieth--literally, "has compassion on."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he knoweth our frame,.... The outward frame of their bodies, what brittle ware, what earthen vessels, they be; he being the potter, they the clay, he knows what they are able to bear, and what not; that if he lays his hand too heavy, or strikes too hard, or repeats his strokes too often, they will fall in pieces: he knows the inward frame of their minds, the corruption of their nature, how prone they are to sin; and therefore does not expect perfect services from them: how impotent they are to that which is good; that they can do nothing of themselves; nor think a good thought, nor do a good action; and that their best frames are very uncertain ones; and that, though the spirit may be willing, the flesh is weak. The word used is the same that is rendered "imagination", Gen 6:5, and by which the Jews generally express the depravity and corruption of nature; and so the Targum here paraphrases it, "for he knows our evil concupiscence, which causes us to sin;'' and to this sense Kimchi. He remembereth that we are dust (b); are of the dust originally, and return to it again at death; and into which men soon crumble when he lays his hand upon them; this he considers, see Psa 78:38. The Targum is, "it is remembered before him, that we are of the dust:'' the Septuagint version makes a petition of it, "remember that we are dust"; and so the Arabic version. And we should remember it ourselves, and be humble before God; and wonder at his grace and goodness to us, Gen 18:27. (b) "Pulvis et umbra sumus", Horat. Carmin. l. 4. Ode 7. v. 16.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
103:13 The Lord is like a father to his children: This analogy forms the basis for Jesus’ teaching about God’s fatherhood (see Matt 5:43-48; 6:1; 10:19-20; 12:50; Luke 6:36; 12:29-32; John 8:31-59; 15:1-8; see also 2 Sam 7:14; Jer 3:19; 31:9; Mal 1:6; 2 Cor 6:16-18).
Psalms 103:13
Bless the LORD, O My Soul
12As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Poison From the Tongue
By Erlo Stegen1.6K1:22:18TongueEXO 4:10PSA 103:13PRO 18:21PRO 21:23MAT 12:36EPH 4:29JAS 3:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the content we consume, particularly videos. He warns against allowing negative influences into our lives and encourages parents to monitor what their children watch. The preacher urges listeners to expose sin and confront it directly, seeking guidance from God. He also shares a personal story of overcoming anger through prayer and repentance. The sermon concludes with a reminder to reflect on the power of our words and to examine ourselves in light of God's standards.
Our Gracious God by Brain Brodersen
By Brian Brodersen1.3K33:53NUM 6:22PSA 29:11PSA 103:13PSA 139:1PRO 16:7ISA 26:3MAT 6:26PHP 4:7JAS 1:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the right concept of God for our spiritual well-being, highlighting God's desire to bless, keep, smile upon, be gracious, be attentive, and give peace to His people. It discusses the misrepresentation of God throughout history and the need to properly understand and represent God's character. The sermon encourages focusing on studying and understanding the nature and attributes of God to experience His peace and blessings in the tumultuous world we live in.
God Cares and Loves You 2 - Part 3
By Joshua Daniel1.1K08:48PSA 103:13PSA 139:1LUK 15:20ROM 5:8ROM 8:38EPH 6:14HEB 4:161PE 5:81JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of never losing the will to return to God, highlighting the unconditional love and forgiveness the Father extends to those who come back to Him. It encourages believers to maintain the determination to seek God, acknowledging His love and grace even in moments of feeling helpless or stricken by the enemy's attacks.
(Clip) the Heart of God Is Not Condemnation
By Shane Idleman1.0K03:49GEN 1:27PSA 103:13ROM 5:8This sermon emphasizes the unconditional love and compassion of God, likened to a mother's unwavering love for her child even in moments of weakness and failure. It delves into the concept of being made in the image of God and how sin distorts that image, leading to guilt and shame, yet God's love remains constant. The message highlights the sacrificial love of Christ, who died for humanity while they were still in sin, showcasing the profound depth of God's love and grace.
She Shall Be Praised
By Keith Daniel9491:00:52Fear Of GodEXO 20:12PSA 103:13ISA 66:13MAT 6:33EPH 6:3In this sermon, Keith Daniel shares a personal story about a transformative encounter with God. He recounts a moment when he and a friend were arguing about a theological issue, and his uncle intervened with a powerful message about the importance of respecting one another. This incident led Keith to reflect on his own life and the choices he had made. He then shares the story of his brother, who was living a destructive lifestyle but had a life-changing encounter with God and became a new creation. Keith emphasizes the power of prayer and the need for wisdom in our Christian walk.
Thou Art Mine
By James K. Boswell70343:35PSA 103:13ISA 9:6ISA 43:1MAT 1:23ROM 6:142CO 1:101PE 1:18In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the music and hymns that were sung, which he believes will touch the hearts of the listeners. He then recommends two books, "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secrets" and "Ending" by Ruth Paxson, as sources of spiritual guidance. The speaker shares his personal experience of finding a friend in Jesus and emphasizes the responsibility that comes with being in a covenant relationship with Him. He also highlights the future blessings and preservation of Israel as mentioned in the Bible.
My Discovery
By Basilea Schlink53204:35Radio ShowPSA 103:13MAT 6:33JHN 10:29JHN 16:23HEB 12:6JAS 1:171PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the loving and powerful nature of God as our Heavenly Father. The speaker shares personal experiences of how God has always provided comfort, help, and solutions in difficult situations. The speaker encourages listeners to come to God and experience the joy and happiness of being a child of the Heavenly Father. The sermon also highlights the importance of prayer and the role of Jesus in leading us to the Father, reminding us that God is greater than all and desires a close relationship with His children.
The God of All Comfort
By Lehman Strauss1PSA 103:13ISA 66:13JHN 14:16ROM 8:34ROM 15:42CO 1:3EPH 2:4PHP 1:6HEB 4:12Lehman Strauss preaches about the believer's journey to know God better through suffering, emphasizing the comfort found in the Savior, the Spirit, and the Scriptures during trials. He shares his personal experience of finding solace in God's Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit while caring for his wife after her stroke. Strauss highlights the importance of faith in receiving God's comfort and the transformative power of Scripture in times of affliction.
About Your Father.
By J.R. Miller0FatherhoodHonor and Respect for ParentsEXO 20:12DEU 6:6PSA 103:13PRO 1:8PRO 4:1PRO 22:6MAL 4:6EPH 6:4COL 3:211TH 2:11J.R. Miller emphasizes the often-overlooked role of fathers in the upbringing of children, arguing that while mothers are celebrated for their nurturing qualities, fathers also play a crucial part in providing strength, stability, and material support. He calls for recognition of the father's influence, highlighting their sacrifices and the moral and practical lessons they impart. Miller encourages children to reflect on their fathers' contributions and to honor them with love and respect, as both parents share the responsibility of raising their children. He reminds us that the commandment to honor our parents applies equally to fathers, who deserve acknowledgment for their hard work and dedication. Ultimately, Miller urges a balanced appreciation of both maternal and paternal roles in family life.
Christ Will Come Again
By Clement of Rome0PSA 103:13HAB 2:3MAL 3:1GAL 6:9JAS 1:6Clement of Rome emphasizes the compassionate and loving nature of the Father towards those who fear Him, urging believers to approach Him with simplicity and humility to receive His abundant blessings. He warns against being double-minded or prideful in the face of God's gifts, quoting the woes of those who doubt and grow old without experiencing His promises. Using the analogy of a tree's growth stages, he illustrates the gradual but sure process of spiritual maturity and fruit-bearing in believers, highlighting the importance of patience and perseverance. Clement also reminds his audience of the imminent fulfillment of God's will, citing Scriptures that speak of the Lord's sudden coming to His temple, urging readiness and anticipation.
Deuteronomy 32:11
By Chuck Smith0Spiritual GrowthGod's ProtectionEXO 19:4DEU 32:11PSA 91:4PSA 103:13ISA 40:31ISA 46:4MAT 23:37JHN 3:3ROM 8:151PE 2:9Chuck Smith explores the metaphor of an eagle in Deuteronomy 32:11 to illustrate God's nurturing and protective nature. He emphasizes how God, like a mother eagle, stirs up the nest to encourage growth and independence in His children, revealing His parental love and strength. The sermon highlights that disturbances in our lives can be God's way of preventing complacency and leading us to greater heights. Smith reassures that even in times of confusion, God's love remains constant, guiding us as we learn to spread our wings and embrace our purpose.
Getting to Know the Father
By David Wilkerson0Divine ProvisionKnowing GodEXO 3:14PSA 46:1PSA 103:13ISA 41:10MAT 7:11JHN 14:13ROM 8:282CO 1:3PHP 4:19JAS 1:17David Wilkerson emphasizes that just as children learn about their earthly father's character during times of crisis, believers come to know their heavenly Father through their own struggles and needs. God reveals His nature not through mere proclamations but through His actions and provisions in times of trouble. The sermon encourages listeners to seek a deeper, heart-level understanding of God by reflecting on His past provisions and asking the Holy Spirit for insight into His character. This journey of knowing God is portrayed as a gradual and purposeful process, leading to a profound relationship with the I AM.
His Love, Not Ours
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 103:13ISA 63:9Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the unconditional and compassionate love of God, emphasizing how He redeems and pities His people like a loving father does to his children. The sermon reflects on the deep yearning for God's love in our hearts and the transformative power of surrendering to His love, even in moments of doubt or when we feel unworthy. Tileston encourages looking up to God's love in times of need, knowing that His love is not dependent on our feelings but on His unchanging nature of compassion and pity towards us.
How Old Are You? Spiritually, That Is
By Paris Reidhead0Spiritual MaturityGrowth in FaithPSA 103:13ISA 5:1LUK 22:20GAL 4:19EPH 3:17EPH 4:13EPH 5:25COL 1:28HEB 5:121JN 2:12Paris Reidhead emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in his sermon 'How Old Are You? Spiritually, That Is.' He challenges the congregation to take a spiritual inventory as the year ends, questioning whether they have grown in their faith or merely gone through the motions. Reidhead outlines God's goal for His children as maturity, highlighting the different stages of spiritual growth: little children, young men, and fathers. He encourages believers to recognize God's grace and the resources available for growth, while also expressing God's grief over those who remain stagnant in their faith. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to pursue spiritual development in the coming year.
Precious Death
By A.W. Pink0God's Perspective on DeathDeath of SaintsPSA 46:1PSA 103:13PSA 116:15ISA 43:2ISA 63:9LAM 3:33JHN 14:3ACT 14:222CO 5:8HEB 4:15A.W. Pink emphasizes the preciousness of a saint's death in the sight of the Lord, as expressed in Psalm 116:15. He encourages believers to view death from God's perspective, recognizing that it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal communion with Him. Pink explains that the Lord's love for His saints makes their deaths precious, as it allows Him to display His sufficiency and grace in their final moments. He reassures that while we may grieve, the Lord rejoices in bringing His people home, fulfilling His promise of eternal presence. Ultimately, the death of a saint is seen as an honorable and bright transition into the Lord's presence.
A Broken and Contrite Heart
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 27:8PSA 103:13MAT 6:6MAT 7:111JN 4:16Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of recognizing and believing in God's love for us, as highlighted in 1 John 4:16. She encourages a focus on God's character rather than our own, finding true rest in His love that dispels fear and doubt. Andrew Murray stresses the need to approach prayer with the awareness of God's loving presence, reminding us of the Father's compassion and desire to give abundantly. Margaret Mary Hallahan underscores the simplicity and sincerity of prayer, emphasizing that God values heartfelt connection over elaborate words or rituals.
The Father Has Been Revealed
By David Wilkerson0Living as a Reflection of GodRevelation of the FatherPSA 103:13ISA 9:6JER 3:19MAT 11:27JHN 8:28David Wilkerson emphasizes that while the Old Testament provided glimpses of God as Father, it was through Jesus that the full revelation of the Father was made known. He highlights that Jesus' actions and teachings were meant to illustrate the nature of the Father, showing His love, mercy, and grace. Wilkerson points out that the prophets longed for this revelation, which is now available to this generation. By understanding the Father through Christ, believers are called to reflect His character in their lives, inviting others to witness the Father through their actions.
The Affections and Emotions of God
By Charles Finney0The Grief of GodGod's EmotionsPSA 103:13ISA 30:18EZK 18:32HOS 11:8MAT 23:37LUK 15:20JHN 3:16ROM 5:82PE 3:91JN 4:8Charles Finney emphasizes that God is a moral agent who experiences genuine emotions such as love, grief, and compassion towards humanity. He illustrates that it grieves God to abandon sinners to death, as He desires their salvation and has made great sacrifices for it. Finney argues that sinners compel God to give them up due to their choices, which places God in a position where He must prioritize the greater good of the universe. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's affections, urging sinners to return to Him, as He yearns for their repentance and restoration.
O Lord of Hosts, How Long Wilt Thou
By C.H. Spurgeon0God's LoveTrust in God's PromisesPSA 103:13ISA 40:26JER 29:11ZEP 3:17ROM 8:38C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes God's unwavering love for His church, assuring believers that despite their trials and tribulations, they are not forgotten. He encourages the faithful to remain patient and trust in God's promises, as their time of suffering will soon end and prosperity will come. Spurgeon highlights that God's discipline is not a sign of abandonment but rather a demonstration of His deep care and jealousy for His people. He reassures individuals that God knows each of them intimately and is always present, even in their darkest moments. Ultimately, believers are called to approach God with confidence and find peace in His everlasting love.
Christian Clichã©s That Contradict Christ
By David Servant0PSA 103:13JHN 14:21JHN 15:9JHN 16:271JN 1:9David Servant delves into the misconceptions surrounding God's love, debunking common Christian clichés about unconditional love and emphasizing the conditional nature of God's love as revealed in Scripture. Through examining passages like John 15:9-10, he highlights the importance of obedience in abiding in Jesus' love, showcasing the distinction between merciful love and approving love. Servant emphasizes that God's love is not the same for everyone, varying between sinners and saints, and stresses the significance of earning Jesus' approving love through repentance and obedience.
Accusing God of Child Neglect!
By David Wilkerson0God's Care for His ChildrenTrust in GodEXO 2:23PSA 18:19PSA 31:7PSA 34:15PSA 103:13ISA 49:13PHP 4:19HEB 12:2JAS 1:61PE 5:7David Wilkerson addresses the misconception of accusing God of child neglect, emphasizing that God communicates with His children through probing questions that reveal our innermost thoughts. He illustrates this with biblical examples, such as God's inquiries to Elijah, Peter, and Saul, urging believers to reflect on their trust in God's provision and care. Wilkerson challenges the audience to confront their doubts about God's attentiveness and willingness to help, reminding them that God delights in His children and is always ready to respond to their cries for help. He reassures that God sees our struggles, cares deeply, and is committed to providing for our needs, encouraging a deeper faith in His goodness and presence.
The Parable of the Lord and the Servant
By Julian of Norwich0PSA 103:13ROM 8:182CO 4:17HEB 6:101PE 5:7Julian of Norwich shares a vision where God reveals a mysterious illustration of a lord and his servant, symbolizing the relationship between God and His people. The servant, out of love and good will, eagerly follows the lord's commands but falls into deep distress. Despite the servant's suffering, the lord watches tenderly and desires to reward him for his faithfulness and willingness to serve. The vision serves as a reminder of God's compassion, faithfulness, and desire to bless His faithful servants, even in times of trial and suffering.
Failings and Infirmities
By Thomas Brooks0God's GraceAssurance of SalvationPSA 103:13PRO 19:11Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God will never abandon His people due to their failings and infirmities. He illustrates this by comparing God's grace to a father's love for his children, highlighting that just as a father does not reject his children for their weaknesses, God also embraces His people despite their shortcomings. Brooks further explains that believers are members of Christ's body and His purchased possession, and thus, their flaws do not disqualify them from His mercy. He concludes that if God were to cast off His people for their imperfections, no one would be saved, as all have sinned and fall short of His glory.
Improve God's Name
By Ralph Erskine0GEN 22:14EXO 17:15JOS 20:2PSA 18:10PSA 46:1PSA 65:2PSA 103:13PSA 106:8ISA 9:6ISA 51:3ISA 53:5JER 23:6EZK 48:35COL 3:11Ralph Erskine preaches on the significance of God's name in salvation, emphasizing how God's mercy and goodness are displayed for the sake of His name. Believers are encouraged to praise God for His attributes and to seek His intervention in every aspect of their lives based on His different names that correspond to their needs, such as Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace. The sermon underscores the assurance that God will fulfill His promises and provide for His people according to His name, urging believers to trust in His name for their salvation and every necessity.
The Presence of a Compassionate God!
By Thomas Brooks0God's CompassionDivine MercyPSA 103:13SNG 5:1ISA 49:15LAM 3:22HEB 2:12Thomas Brooks emphasizes the unwavering presence of a compassionate God, whose mercies are essential and never fail, as highlighted in Lamentations 3:22. He describes God's nature as one of mercy, tenderness, and compassion, comparing it to the essential qualities of light and heat. Brooks illustrates the various forms of God's compassion—fatherly, motherly, brotherly, and friendly—showing how comforting it is for believers to experience such divine presence, especially in times of trouble. The sermon encourages believers to find solace in the knowledge that they are never alone, as they are accompanied by a God who delights in mercy and compassion.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
pitieth--literally, "has compassion on."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he knoweth our frame,.... The outward frame of their bodies, what brittle ware, what earthen vessels, they be; he being the potter, they the clay, he knows what they are able to bear, and what not; that if he lays his hand too heavy, or strikes too hard, or repeats his strokes too often, they will fall in pieces: he knows the inward frame of their minds, the corruption of their nature, how prone they are to sin; and therefore does not expect perfect services from them: how impotent they are to that which is good; that they can do nothing of themselves; nor think a good thought, nor do a good action; and that their best frames are very uncertain ones; and that, though the spirit may be willing, the flesh is weak. The word used is the same that is rendered "imagination", Gen 6:5, and by which the Jews generally express the depravity and corruption of nature; and so the Targum here paraphrases it, "for he knows our evil concupiscence, which causes us to sin;'' and to this sense Kimchi. He remembereth that we are dust (b); are of the dust originally, and return to it again at death; and into which men soon crumble when he lays his hand upon them; this he considers, see Psa 78:38. The Targum is, "it is remembered before him, that we are of the dust:'' the Septuagint version makes a petition of it, "remember that we are dust"; and so the Arabic version. And we should remember it ourselves, and be humble before God; and wonder at his grace and goodness to us, Gen 18:27. (b) "Pulvis et umbra sumus", Horat. Carmin. l. 4. Ode 7. v. 16.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
103:13 The Lord is like a father to his children: This analogy forms the basis for Jesus’ teaching about God’s fatherhood (see Matt 5:43-48; 6:1; 10:19-20; 12:50; Luke 6:36; 12:29-32; John 8:31-59; 15:1-8; see also 2 Sam 7:14; Jer 3:19; 31:9; Mal 1:6; 2 Cor 6:16-18).