August 12 — Psalm 103

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.” (Verses 1-14)

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

We hear these words in a variety of forms throughout the Old Testament — in Nehemiah 9:31; Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 86:5; Psalm 86:15; Joel 2:13. It is repeated again and again — so there must be something to this teaching.

Hesedness, in Jewish theology is used to describe G-d’s love for the Children of Israel, and in Jewish ethics it is used for love or charity between people. The word “Hesed” or “Chesed” is also considered the foundation of many religious commandments practiced by traditional Jews, especially interpersonal commandments. Hesed, or “Steadfast love” is, of course, the attribute and activity of the LORD celebrated in the psalms — it is the LORD’s essential goodness beyond all others.

Steadfast love is both the character of G-d and the foundation of all G-d’s actions. One can attempt to define it as helpfulness toward those with whom one stands in relationship. To do “hesed” is to do the best in and make the best of a relationship. The Lord’s steadfast love, says the Psalm, is so abounding that it fills all time and space. It is as great as the heavens are high above the earth; it is lasting as everlasting lasts.

Let us pray:

Compassionate Father, you forgive all our sins and put them far from us. As an eagle to her young, you nourish and renew us with your tender love. Sustain us each day of our mortal life, that we may seek your healing for all who are in need, and bring us at last with saints and angels to bless and praise you forever; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.