Psalms 103:21

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 103:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts, Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts, Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
Psalms 103:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 103

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts, Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts - His armies; the vast multitudes of holy beings, arranged and marshalled as hosts for battle, in all parts of the universe. Compare the notes at Isaiah 1:9; notes at Ephesians 1:21. Ye ministers of his - The same beings referred to by the word “hosts,” and all others who may be employed in executing his will. The “hosts” or armies of the Lord are thus marshalled that they may “do his pleasure,” or that they may execute his purposes. That do his pleasure - What is agreeable to him; that is, who perform his will. Employed in his service, and appointed to execute his will, they are called on to bless his name. The fact of being employed in his service is a…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“His hosts - A title often given to the angels, in regard of their vast numbers, mighty power, unanimous concurrence, and exquisite order. Ministers - This Hebrew word is commonly used of the highest and most honourable sort of servants, Next: Psalms Chapter 104”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“all ye his hosts: Psa 33:6; Gen 32:2; Jos 5:14; Kg1 22:19; Ch2 18:18; Luk 2:13 ministers: Psa 68:17, Psa 104:4; Neh 9:6; Dan 7:9, Dan 7:10; Mat 13:41, Mat 24:30, Mat 24:31; Th2 1:7, Th2 1:8; Heb 1:6, Heb 1:7, Heb 1:14; Rev 22:8, Rev 22:9 Psalms 103:22”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification