PSALM—NOTE ON Psalms 103:3 Heals often refers to curing someone from a physical sickness, but it can also be used as a metaphor for restoring the moral and spiritual life (e.g., Isaiah 6:10; Isaiah 53:5; Jeremiah 3:22; Hosea 14:4). Since it is in parallel with forgives, the metaphorical use may be intended here. Thus iniquity is like diseases, which weaken and corrupt. It is God’s mercy that takes them away. These sentiments reflect David’s own experience of God’s forgiveness (see 2 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 51:1).

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