The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon

EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 103 Verse 21)

EXPOSITION

Verse 21. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; to whatever race of creatures ye may belong, for ye are all his troops, and he is the Generallissimo of all your armies. The fowl of the air and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the sea, should all unite in praising their Creator, after the best of their ability.

Ye ministers of his that do his pleasure; in whatever way ye serve him, bless him as ye serve. The Psalmist would have every servant in the Lord's palace unite with him, and all at once sing out the praises of the Lord. We have attached a new sense to the word "ministers" in these latter days, and so narrowed it down to those who serve in word and doctrine. Yet no true minister would wish to alter it, for we are above all men bound to be the Lord's servants, and we would, beyond all other ministering intelligences or forces, desire to bless the glorious Lord.

 

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 21. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts... that do his pleasure. The sun, moon, stars, and planets do "his pleasure" (Psalms 19:1) unconsciously; the "angels" consciously and with instinctive love, "hearken unto the voice of his word" (Psalms 103:20). Both together constitute the Lord's hosts. A. R. Fausset.

 

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 21. Who are God's ministers? What is their business? To do his pleasure. What is their delight? To bless the Lord.

Verse 21-22. Henry Melvill has a notable sermon upon "The Peril of the Spiritual Guide." The drift of it may be gathered from the extract which wc have placed as a note upon the passage.