Psalms 104:1

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 104:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Bless Jehovah, O my soul. O Jehovah my God, thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honor and majesty:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Bless Jehovah, O my soul. O Jehovah my God, thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honor and majesty:
Psalms 104:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 104

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Bless Jehovah, O my soul. O Jehovah my God, thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honor and majesty:

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“After an exhortation to praise God, addressed especially to the chosen people, the writer presents the special reason for praise, in a summary of their history from the calling of Abraham to their settlement in Canaan, and reminds them that their obedience was the end of all God's gracious dealings. (Psa. 105:1-45) call . . . name-- (Psa 79:6; Rom 10:13). Call on Him, according to His historically manifested glory. After the example of Abraham, who, as often as God acquired for Himself a name in guiding him, called in solemn worship upon the name of the Lord (Gen 12:8; Gen 13:4). among the people--or, "peoples" (Psa 18:49). deeds--or, "wonders" (Psa 103:7).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Bless the Lord, O my soul - See Psalms 103:1. O Lord my God, thou art very great - This is a reason why the psalmist calls on his soul to bless God; namely, for the fact that he is so exalted; so vast in his perfections; so powerful, so wise, so great. Thou art clothed with honor and majesty - That is, with the emblems of honor and majesty, as a king is arrayed in royal robes. Creation is the garment with which God has invested himself. Compare the notes at Psalms 93:1. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“Ps 104 This creation hymn (see also Pss 8, 33, 145) exalts God’s goodness and majesty. The psalmist reflects on the present world, the original creation, and a future new creation. He sees both creations as marvelously and wisely made (cp. 139:14), as the work of the Lord’s Spirit (104:30; Gen 1:2; 2 Cor 3:6). 104:1 Let all that I am praise the Lord: Pss 103 and 104 each open and close with this commitment to praise (103:1-2, 22; 104:1, 35). • how great you are! This acclamation expresses praise for rescue (see also 35:27; 40:16; 70:4).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Bless: This sublime poem on the works of God in creation and providence, is ascribed to David in the LXX, Vulgate, Ethiopic, Syriac, and Arabic; and as it opens and closes with the same words as the preceding psalm, it is probable that it was composed on the same occasion; and it is written as part of it in nine manuscripts Psa 104:35, Psa 103:1, Psa 103:2, Psa 103:22 O Lord: Psa 7:1; Dan 9:4; Hab 1:12 art very great: Psa 145:3; Jer 23:24, Jer 32:17-19; Rev 1:13-20 clothed: Psa 93:1; Isa 59:17; Dan 7:9 honour: Psa 29:1-4, Psa 96:6 Psalms 104:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The first decastich begins the celebration with work of the first and second days. הוד והדר here is not the doxa belonging to God πρὸ παντὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος ( Jde 1:25), but the doxa which He has put on ( Job 40:10) since He created the world, over against which He stands in kingly glory, or rather in which He is immanent, and which reflects this kingly glory in various gradations, yea, to a certain extent is this glory itself. For inasmuch as God began the work of creation with the creation of light, He has covered Himself with this created light itself as with a garment. That which once happened in connection with the creation may, as in Amo 4:13; Isa 44:24; Isa 45:7; Jer 10:12, and…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification