Psalms 111:1-10

Psalms 111

DESCRIPTIVE TITLE

Alphabetical Psalm in Praise of Jehovah.

ANALYSIS

The Psalm is composed of Ten Verses: Psalms 111:1-8 have Two Clauses each, Initialled by 16 successive letters of the Hebrew Alphabet; and Psalms 111:9-10 have Three Clauses each, Initialled by the 6 remaining letters of the Alphabet: thus making, in all, 22 lines; and employing the entire alphabet as initials. The First Verse states the THEME of the psalm, and the Last Verse supplies the THEME for the Next Psalm; so that the Second of the pair Begins where the First Ends.

(P.R.I.) Praise ye Yah!

1

I will thank Jehovah with a whole heart,

In the council[534] of the upright and the congregation.

[534] Or: confidential gatheringDr.

2

Great are the works[535] of Jehovah,

[535] Or: doings.

Studied by all who take pleasure therein.

3

Majestic and stately[536] is his work,

[536] Ml. or: majesty and stateliness.

And his righteousness standeth fast for aye.

4

A memorial hath he made for his wondrous works,

Gracious and compassionate[537] is Jehovah.

[537] Cp. Exodus 34:6.

5

Prey[538] hath he given to them who revere him,

[538] Or (mf.): food.

He remembereth to the ages his covenant,

6

The might of his works[539] declared he to his people,

[539] Or: doings.

In giving them the inheritance of the nations,

7

The works of his hands are truth and justice,

Trustworthy are all his precepts.

8

Sustained are they to futurity to the ages,

Wrought out in truth and uprightness.

9

Ransom sent he unto his people,

He commanded to the ages his covenant;
Holy and to be revered is his name.

10

The beginning of wisdom is the reverence of Jehovah,

Excellent insight have all they who do those things,[540]

[540] Heb.: them.

His praise standeth fast for aye.

(Nm.)[541]

[541] See 112 (beginning).

PARAPHRASE

Psalms 111

Hallelujah! I want to express publicly before His people my heartfelt thanks to God for His mighty miracles! All who are thankful should ponder them with me.
3 For His miracles demonstrate His honor, majesty, and eternal goodness.
4 Who can forget the wonders He performsdeeds of mercy and of grace?
5 He gives food to those who trust Him; He never forgets His promises!
6 He has shown His great power to His people by giving them the land of Israel, though it was the home of many nations living there.
7 All He does is just and good, and all His laws are right,
8 For they are formed from truth and goodness, and stand firm forever.
9 He has paid a full ransom for His people; now they are always free to come to God (what a holy, awe-inspiring name that is).
10 How can men be wise? The only way to begin is by reverence for God. For growth in wisdom comes from obeying His laws. His name forever.

EXPOSITION

Considering how artificial is the structure of these twin psalms, it is remarkable how little sense has been sacrificed to form: perhaps prey (Psalms 111:5) is the only instance in this psalm in which a less happy word seems to have been used owing to acrostic exigencies. It is further observable that notwithstanding the proverbial style of sentiment which prevails, the striking history of Israel has, in this psalm in particular, furnished several couplets: as probably the passover memorial of Psalms 111:4; the grant of Canaan in Psalms 111:6; and again the deliverance out of Egypt and covenant at Sinai in Psalms 111:9. An allusion to Exodus 34 (the Refrain of the Bible) may be detected in Psalms 111:4. The subtle difference between deedthing doneand workthing mademay also repay reflection. Jehovah is worthy to be praised both for his deeds and his works. The practical trend of both psalms, and the especial link between the two, clearly proclaim: I am holy, therefore be ye holy. It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of the character of the God whom we worship.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1.

This is a grand psalm of praise. Please find in it present-day reasons for praise.

2.

Why use an acrostic?

3.

How does our consideration of the character of God aid our worship?