Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Psalms 111
Psalm 111:2Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
This verse invites believers to actively investigate and delight in God's actions, not merely observe them. It calls us to find joy in discovering His greatness.Psalm 111:4He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
God doesn't want His people to forget His goodness. He intentionally makes His works memorable to reveal His gracious and merciful character to every generation.Psalm 111:10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
This is the psalm's ultimate conclusion, connecting a reverent awe of God directly to gaining true wisdom and understanding for how to live.
Historical & Cultural Context
A Call to Wholehearted Worship
The psalm opens with a personal declaration of praise, but it's not a private one. The psalmist makes it clear that this thanksgiving will happen publicly, 'in the company of the upright, in the congregation.' This sets the stage for a community celebration of God's character and deeds, framing the song as a shared testimony meant to encourage the entire faith community.
An Alphabet of God's Faithfulness
Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem, where each line in the original Hebrew begins with a successive letter of the alphabet. This highly structured format suggests a deliberate and comprehensive praise, as if the psalmist is covering God's faithfulness from A to Z. It's a carefully crafted work of art designed to help the community remember, recite, and reflect on the fullness of God's attributes.
Recounting the Works of a Faithful God
Psalm 111 unfolds as a powerful declaration of praise within a community of believers. The psalmist begins with a personal commitment to give thanks (v. 1) and then launches into a systematic celebration of God's character, revealed through His actions. The psalm is structured as an acrostic, using the Hebrew alphabet to guide a comprehensive tour of God's greatness, from His mighty works in creation and history to the wisdom found in fearing Him.
Praise for God's Majestic Works (Psalm 111:1-3)
1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
Commentary:
The psalmist declares his intent to praise God publicly for His magnificent and righteous works.
Remembering God's Gracious Provision (Psalm 111:4-6)
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
Commentary:
God's gracious character is revealed through His memorable acts of provision and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
The Trustworthiness of God's Commands (Psalm 111:7-9)
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!
Commentary:
God's commands are as reliable and just as His actions, providing a firm foundation for His people's redemption.
The Foundation of True Wisdom (Psalm 111:10)
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
Commentary:
The ultimate wisdom is found in revering God, which leads to a life of understanding and perpetual praise.
Unpacking the Character of God
The Greatness of God's Works
The psalm repeatedly emphasizes the scale and splendor of God's actions. They are not small or forgettable but 'great,' 'full of splendor and majesty,' and powerful enough to be remembered through generations. This theme teaches that observing God's work in creation and history is a primary way to understand His character.
God's Enduring Faithfulness
A central thread is God's unwavering reliability. His righteousness, covenant, and precepts 'endure forever.' He remembers His promises and provides for His people, demonstrating that His relationship with them is not based on fleeting feelings but on a permanent, binding commitment.
The Fear of the Lord as Wisdom
The psalm climaxes by defining the source of all true wisdom. The focus is not on accumulating knowledge, but on having the right starting point: a deep respect and awe for God. This 'fear' reorients a person's entire perspective, leading to good understanding and a life that makes sense.
Living in Awe of God's Works
Psalm 111 encourages you to see God's actions not as random occurrences but as 'great works' worthy of study (v. 2). It prompts you to look for His splendor and majesty in your daily circumstances and to remember His past faithfulness. This perspective transforms ordinary events into evidence of His gracious and merciful character.
Fearing the Lord, as described in verse 10, isn't about being scared of God, but living with a constant awareness of His greatness and holiness. It means making decisions with His truth in mind, respecting His commands because they are 'trustworthy' (v. 7), and approaching Him with reverence in your thoughts and actions. It's the foundation that gives all your other choices wisdom and purpose.
The psalm begins with a commitment to give thanks publicly (v. 1), showing that faith is also a public matter. Praising God with others reinforces shared beliefs and creates a collective memory of His 'wondrous works' (v. 4). It reminds you that you are part of a larger story of God's redemption and faithfulness to His people.
God's Character Revealed in Action
Psalm 111 declares that God makes Himself known through what He does. His mighty works are not silent. They are a powerful testimony to His eternal righteousness, grace, and faithfulness. The message is both grand and intimate: the same God who established the heavens provides for His people and keeps His promises. True wisdom, therefore, comes from seeing these works and responding with reverent awe.
What This Means for Us Today
Psalm 111 is an open invitation to join the congregation of praise. It calls us to move beyond casual observation to intentional study of God's works, both in Scripture and in our lives. By delighting in what He has done, we discover who He is and find the wisdom to live well.
- What specific 'work of the Lord' can you give thanks for this week?
- How can you practice 'studying' God's works rather than passively noticing them?
- In what area of your life do you need to be reminded that God's precepts are 'trustworthy'?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
Connections Across Scripture
This verse directly echoes the central theme of Psalm 111:10, stating, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.'
This passage commands Israel to remember God's laws and works, reflecting the psalmist's call to study and delight in God's precepts.
The saints in heaven sing a song that proclaims, 'Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty!', mirroring the praise in Psalm 111.
Thematic Connections
Discussion Questions
- Psalm 111:2 says God's works are 'studied by all who delight in them.' What are some of God's 'works' you have seen in your life or in the world that cause you to feel delight and awe?
- The psalmist connects God's faithfulness to His covenant (v. 5, 9). How does understanding God's commitment to His promises change the way you face uncertainty or challenges?
- If 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' (v. 10), what are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a greater sense of reverent awe for God in our daily lives?
Glossary
theological concepts
Covenant
A sacred, binding promise from God that establishes His relationship with His people, like the one He made with Israel.
Righteousness
God's perfect moral character, justice, and faithfulness, which is the unchanging standard for all that is right.
Fear of the Lord
A deep sense of awe, reverence, and respect for God's power and holiness, which is the foundation of true wisdom.
Redemption
The act of being saved or set free, which the psalm attributes to God's powerful intervention on behalf of His people.