Journey
Mercy restores
Watch failure, repentance and grace gather real people back into the story.
People in this journey
Opening stop: Merciful and gracious, Psalms 103:8
Verse 8 repeats words God spoke to Moses on Sinai (Exodus 34:6). They came straight after the golden calf, when Israel had broken the covenant before Moses even came down from the mount (Exodus 32:1, 7). So one of the Bible's fullest descriptions of God's character was first given to people who had just failed. David's own failure comes later in this journey. The picture of a father's pity in verse 13 sets up the next stop.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
King James Version
The speaker calls on their own soul to bless the Lord and remember his benefits. The psalm celebrates forgiveness, healing, rescue, justice and compassion. Its images hold human frailty beside enduring mercy: people are dust, and their days pass like grass, while God's mercy extends to those who fear him and keep his covenant. The invitation to praise widens to angels and all God's works before returning to the speaker's own soul.
Continue the journey
This journey has 8 stops. The opening stop is free. Premium opens the rest of the guided path, and every Scripture chapter stays free to read.