Psalms 111 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 111

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to various authors, including King David, the renowned ruler of ancient Israel. Psalm 111 is a hymn of praise, reflecting the author’s deep reverence for God and His mighty works. The psalmist in this chapter extols the Lord’s greatness, highlighting His compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. The passage foreshadows the importance of remembering God’s past deeds and the need to honor Him through obedience and reverence. As we delve into this chapter, we will witness the author’s unwavering commitment to the Lord and the profound impact of His divine providence.

The psalmist’s words echo the sentiments expressed in Deuteronomy 6:5, where the Israelites are commanded to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” This Psalm serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of maintaining a steadfast relationship with the Almighty, even in the face of life’s challenges.

Psalms 111:1-3

The verses in Psalms 111:1-3 are divided into three distinct sections that each hold significant importance in understanding and appreciating the teachings of this scripture. Let’s break down these sections for a comprehensive analysis.

**”Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. The psalmist in the opening of this passage expresses their desire to praise the Lord wholeheartedly and with gratitude in the company of those who are faithful to Him. This sets the tone for the psalm as a declaration of worship and thanksgiving. The psalmist acknowledges the greatness of God’s deeds and calls upon others who delight in Him to reflect on these amazing works. Here, the importance of community in worship is highlighted, as believers are encouraged to gather together to appreciate and reflect on the goodness of God. It reminds us of the significance of communal worship and sharing in the blessings of God’s mighty works with fellow believers.

“Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!”

The following section emphasizes the undeniable manifestation of God’s glory and majesty in all His actions. The psalmist testifies to the unwavering nature of God’s righteousness, which serves as a source of comfort and assurance to His people. The mention of God’s wonderful works points to the importance of reflecting on the past acts of God, such as the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the countless miracles performed throughout history. Believers remember and meditate on these acts, reminding them of God’s faithfulness, grace, and mercy, instilling confidence in His continued provision and care for His people. This reflects the theme of remembrance and gratitude in the Bible, where God’s faithfulness in the past serves as a foundation for trust in His promises for the future.

**”He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant. He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations. The psalmist highlights God’s provision and faithfulness to those who fear Him in the final section. The mention of God providing food to His people not only speaks to physical sustenance but also symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and sustenance that comes from a relationship with God. The reference to God remembering His covenant ties back to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing God’s steadfast commitment to His people throughout generations. The psalmist then recalls God’s mighty act of delivering the Promised Land to the Israelites, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over the nations. This serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His ability to conquer any obstacle standing in the way of His people. The conquest of the Promised Land is a central theme in the Old Testament, showcasing God’s faithfulness, justice, and provision for His people despite their wandering and disobedience. Psalms 111:1-3 conveys a message of praise, gratitude, remembrance, and trust in the Lord’s faithfulness, righteousness, and provision. It encourages believers to gather in worship, reflect on God’s past deeds, and take comfort in His promises for the future. Believers are reminded of God’s unwavering love, mercy, and power by acknowledging His greatness and meditating on His works, instilling confidence in His sovereignty over all things. This passage encapsulates the timeless message of God’s faithfulness throughout history and His enduring love for His people, inviting us to respond with thanksgiving, reverence, and trust in His unfailing promises.

Psalms 111:4-6

Three distinct sections in Psalms 111:4-6 highlight important themes about the nature of God and His works. “He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. The psalmist reflects on how God’s wonders and miraculous deeds are remembered and celebrated by His people in this verse. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous accounts of God’s wondrous works, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) or the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14). These events serve as reminders of God’s power, goodness, and faithfulness towards His people. The psalmist emphasizes God’s graciousness and compassion, highlighting key attributes of God’s character that are essential to understand His relationship with humanity. This verse echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 103:8, which states, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

1. “He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever.”
   Here, the psalmist emphasizes God’s provision for those who fear Him and the everlasting nature of His covenant. The concept of fearing God in the Bible goes beyond mere dread or terror; rather, it signifies a reverence and awe for God’s holiness and sovereignty. The idea of God providing food for His people is a recurring theme in the Bible, most notably seen in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness where God provided manna from heaven (Exodus 16). The mention of God remembering His covenant forever underscores the faithfulness of God to His promises. This covenant relationship between God and His people is a central theme throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the ultimate covenant through Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Hebrews 8:6-13).

2. “He has shown His people the power of His works, giving them the lands of other nations. The psalmist celebrates God’s power demonstrated through His works on behalf of His people in this final verse. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God displayed His power by giving victory to the Israelites over their enemies and granting them possession of the Promised Land. For example, in the conquest of Canaan, God showed His people His power by enabling them to defeat powerful nations and claim the land He promised to them (Joshua 1-12). This verse serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His divine purposes through His chosen people. It underscores the importance of trusting in God’s power and following His guidance to inherit the blessings He has in store. Psalms 111:4-6 encapsulates key themes of God’s wondrous works, provision, faithfulness to His covenant, and showing His power on behalf of His people. These verses highlight the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s works, trusting in His provision, honoring His covenant, and acknowledging His sovereignty. Reflecting on these timeless truths can deepen our understanding of God’s character and strengthen our faith in His unfailing love and power throughout the pages of the Bible.

Psalms 111:7-9

The passage in Psalms 111:7-9 can be broken down into a few important sections. “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.”
This section highlights the faithfulness, justice, and trustworthiness of God’s works. Throughout the Bible, God’s faithfulness is a recurring theme, seen in His promises to His people and His unwavering commitment to them. The justice of God is exemplified in His righteous judgments, where He rewards the faithful and punishes the wicked. This verse reminds readers that God’s actions are always just and reliable, serving as a source of comfort and assurance for believers. It speaks to the consistency of God’s character and the reliability of His Word, which is a central theme in Psalms and throughout the Bible.

1. “They are established forever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.”
   This section emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s works and His commitment to upholding them with faithfulness and uprightness. God’s eternal nature provides a steadfast foundation for believers to rely on in a world where things are constantly changing. The concept of God’s commands being enacted in faithfulness and uprightness underscores the moral perfection of His decrees and the unwavering nature of His character. This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in Psalm 119:89– “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” It serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God’s principles and the unchanging truth of His Word.

2. “He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.”
   This final section of the passage speaks to the ultimate act of redemption performed by God for His people. The concept of redemption is central to the Christian faith, as it represents God’s plan to save humanity from sin and restore them to Himself. Throughout the Bible, the theme of redemption is woven into the narrative, culminating in the ultimate act of redemption through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The mention of God’s covenant underscores His commitment to His people, a covenant that is not temporary but eternal in nature. This covenant is based on God’s holiness and awesomeness, highlighting the reverence and respect due to His name. This verse reinforces the idea that God’s actions are motivated by His love for His people and His desire to bring them into a right relationship with Him. Psalms 111:7-9 declares the character of God and His faithfulness to His people powerfully. It emphasizes the reliability of God’s works, the eternal nature of His decrees, and the redemptive plan He has ordained for humanity. Readers reflecting on these verses are encouraged to trust in God’s unfailing nature, to lean on His unchanging Word, and to embrace the redemption He offers through Christ. The timeless messages contained in these verses continue to inspire and comfort believers today, reminding them of the unending faithfulness and love of their Heavenly Father.

Psalms 111:10

“Psalms 111:10” is a concise yet profound verse that holds a wealth of wisdom within its words. Let’s break down this verse and uncover its significance in the context of Psalms 111.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” This verse emphasizes the importance of reverence and awe towards God as the starting point of true wisdom. “The fear of the Lord” does not imply a fear of punishment, but rather a deep respect, humility, and submission to the Almighty. This fear is rooted in understanding who God is and recognizing His sovereignty, holiness, and power. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who feared the Lord and walked in wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 echoes a similar sentiment, stating, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This fear is the foundation upon which true wisdom is built.

The second part of the verse states, “all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” Here, the psalmist highlights the connection between obedience to God’s commandments and gaining insight, discernment, and good judgment. The term “precepts” refers to divine instructions or guidelines given by God for His people to live by. By following God’s precepts with a heart of obedience and sincerity, one gains not only knowledge but also acquires a deep understanding of God’s ways and purposes. This aligns with the message in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trust in the Lord and leaning not on our own understanding, but acknowledging Him in all our ways. This verse serves as a reminder of the fundamental principles of a meaningful and fulfilling life in the broader context of Psalms 111, which is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving for the works and attributes of God – the fear of the Lord and obedience to His word. These elements, when combined, lead to a life characterized by wisdom, understanding, and a deep relationship with God. We reflect on this verse, encouraging us to cultivate a reverence for God, walk in obedience to His commands, and seek His wisdom in all aspects of our lives.

After Psalms 111

The final paragraph of a summary of this chapter could be as follows:

The psalmist’s words have reminded us of the greatness and faithfulness of our God. His works are full of splendor and majesty, and his righteousness endures forever. Let us consider how we can apply these truths to our own lives as we reflect on them. How can we honor and worship the Lord with all our hearts? What steps can we take to walk in his ways and live according to his commands? The answers to these questions will be crucial as we move forward in our journey of faith. We will explore further insights that can guide us in this pursuit in the next chapter.