Psalms 103:20
Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Study Note
Study Note
The call to angels to bless the Lord — 'you who excel in strength, who do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word' — expands the circle of praise beyond Israel to the heavenly hosts. The characterization of angels as commandment-obeyers gives Psalm 103's sweeping doxology (covering individual gratitude, covenant mercy, and universal dominion) its cosmic climax. The three-level structure of the psalm's closing — angels (103:20), angelic hosts (103:21), and all God's works everywhere (103:22) — mirrors the expanding circles of Revelation 4-5 where all creation joins in praise. Hebrews 1:14's description of angels as 'ministering spirits sent to serve' complements this psalmic portrait of angelic obedience.
Other Translations
Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Bless Jehovah, ye His messengers, Mighty in power--doing His word, To hearken to the voice of His Word.
Give praise to the Lord, you his angels, who are great in strength, doing his orders, and waiting for his voice.
Cross References
And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp …
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he …
And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong …
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent …
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and …
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear …
Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full.