Rabbi Yoḥanan and Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi, Rabbi Yoḥanan said: David said: “Bless the Lord, my soul” five times, corresponding to the five books of the Torah. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: Corresponding to the five worlds that a person sees. “Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name” (Psalms 103:1); when one is located in his mother’s womb. “Bless the Lord, my soul, and do not forget all His acts of kindness” (Psalms 103:2); when he leaves his mother’s womb he says to [his soul]: Do not forget all the acts of kindness that He performed for you. “[Bless the Lord, all of His works, in all places of His dominion.]
Bless the Lord, my soul” (Psalms 103:22); when a person reaches his stature24As an adult. and emerges to engage in commerce. “Bless the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, You are greatly exalted” (Psalms 104:1); at the moment when a person passes from the world. And one in the future, “May sinners be eradicated from the earth, and may the wicked be no more.
Bless the Lord, my soul. Halleluya” (Psalms 104:35). Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman said in the name of Rabbi Yoḥanan: David recited one hundred and twenty psalms25This is apparently an error, as this verse appears at the conclusion of Psalm 104. The Gemara in Berakhot 9b states: “David recited one hundred and three chapters, but did not recite Halleluya until he saw the downfall of the wicked.” and did not conclude them with Halleluya until he saw the downfall of the wicked, as it is stated: “May sinners be eradicated from the earth…[Halleluya].”