Psalms 111
Psalm 111 begins with "Hallelujah" and is a song of thanksgiving and praise offered to God. This psalm looks back on God’s greatness and the works he has done, declaring that those who trust in and follow God have wisdom. The psalmist confesses that he is not praising God only as an individual, but that he praises him together with "the assembly of the upright"; this highlights faith within the community.
The content of the praise focuses on exalting God as the source of his mighty deeds, his unchanging character, grace and mercy, faithfulness to his covenant, and wisdom. This structure naturally leads in a flow of thanksgiving and reflection, trust and obedience.
1versePraise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
2verseThe LORD’s works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them.
3verseHis work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever.
4verseHe has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. The LORD is gracious and merciful.
5verseHe has given food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant.
6verseHe has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7verseThe works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure.
8verseThey are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.
9verseHe has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awesome!
10verseThe fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
Summary of the Main Points
- A declaration of praise and thanksgiving: The psalmist gives thanks to God with all his heart and promises to praise him together with the community (verse 1).
- God’s great works: The works God has done are great, and everyone who seeks them rejoices (verse 2). This emphasizes the greatness God has shown in creation, redemption, and providence.
- Mercy and provision: God is gracious and shows compassion (verse 4). He gives food to his people and remembers his covenant forever (verse 5).
- Redemption and commands: God delivers his people, and his commands are faithful and everlasting (verse 9).
- The source of wisdom: In the final verse, he declares that fearing the LORD is the foundation of wisdom and lets us know that those who keep that reverence are given everlasting praise (verse 10).
Points for Reflection
- What great work of God (salvation, creation, guidance, etc.) am I remembering today in my life?
- Let’s think about how we can maintain a balance between personal faith and communal praise.
- How is fearing the LORD showing up in my life? Let’s reflect on how that reverence influences my values and actions.
Try Applying It to My Life
- Let’s renew our hearts of gratitude every day and express thanks without forgetting God’s great and small works.
- Let’s treasure the times of worship and praise in the community and participate even more actively in the confession of our shared faith.
- Let’s examine whether the standard for my life and choices comes from fearing God (respect and fear, love), and let’s put that wisdom into practice in the place where we have been given.
