What does it mean that youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:5)?

Answer

In Psalm 103, King David uplifts his own heart and guides all forthcoming generations of believers in praising God for His immense compassion and mercy. David’s personal encounters and bond with God serve as the foundation for his affirmations regarding the excellence of God’s character, reminding himself and others to exalt the Lord because “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” (verses 3–5, NLT).

David’s heart soars as he recalls, primarily, God’s forgiveness of sins and rescue from death. He is amazed by the Lord’s love, mercy, and the abundance of blessings God has bestowed upon his life. Although David may have been aging, the profound encounter with God’s grace and goodness sustains him, making him feel youthful, vigorous, and liberated like an eagle soaring high amidst the clouds.

David’s feeling of renewed youth akin to an eagle’s vigor echoes in the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).