Psalm 111
1Praise Yah! I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation. 2Yahweh’s works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them. 3His work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever. 4He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. Yahweh is gracious and merciful. 5He has given food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant. 6He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. 7The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure. 8They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness. 9He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awesome! 10The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
Introduction
Psalms 111
This and divers of the psalms that follow it seem to have been penned by David for the service of the church in their solemn feasts, and not upon any particular occasion. This is a psalm of praise. The title of it is "Hallelujah - Praise you the Lord," intimating that we must address ourselves to the use of this psalm with hearts disposed to praise God. It is composed alphabetically, each sentence beginning with a several letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order exactly, two sentences to each verse, and three a piece to the last two. The psalmist, exhorting to praise God, I. Sets himself for an example (Psa 111:1). II. Furnishes us with matter for praise from the works of God. 1. The greatness of his works and the glory of them. 2. The righteousness of them. 3. The goodness of them. 4. The power of them. 5. The conformity of them to his word of promise. 6. The perpetuity of them. These observations are intermixed (Psa 111:2-9). III. He recommends the holy fear of God, and conscientious obedience to his commands, as the most acceptable way of praising God (Psa 111:10).
Cross-references: Ps 111:1 · Ps 111:2 · Ps 111:10