Psalms 111 - Printer Friendly

This song is composed of twenty-three lines, most of which are three Hebrew words long. The entire psalm is written in an "acrostic" pattern, meaning the first letters of the first word in each line have some type of significance when taken together. In this case, the first letter in each line follows Hebrew alphabetical order. Psalm 112 features very similar styling and a closely related theme.

The psalmist begins with a promise to praise God, publicly, because of the amazing things the Lord has done. Creation demonstrates His power (Psalm 19:1). So do the miracles which He has performed on behalf of His people. He exhibits mercy (Psalm 136:2). When the Lord makes a promise, He keeps it (Hebrews 6:17), caring for those with whom He has a covenant (Malachi 3:6; Deuteronomy 4:31). That included physical needs such as food (Deuteronomy 8:16). But it also extends to God providing (1 John 2:25) a means of salvation (Psalm 111:1–9).

Only those who start with a proper respect for God as our Lord and Creator can grow in truthful wisdom. The final statement of this psalm echoes this principle, seen several times in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 15:33). This "fear" is not terror or panic, but is not merely respect. Rather, it implies a humble, reverent submission to His role as the Sovereign God (Psalm 111:10).

Psalm 111:4–10 lists some of the Lord's great works, and the psalmist tells how they reveal His attributes. His accomplishments include omniscient care of His people, His covenant, His plans for the earth, His faithful truth, and redemption. The things God has done establish His attributes, which include graciousness, mercy, power, faithfulness, and justice. The closing verse echoes a statement repeated in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 15:33).

This is a psalm of praise. The writer praises the Lord for His righteousness, His wondrous works, His faithfulness to His covenant, His trustworthiness, and His redemption. The structure of the psalm is acrostic, with each line beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalmist vows to thank the Lord with his whole heart, celebrating God's amazing works. Everything the Lord says is worthy of trust. True wisdom begins with acknowledging the Lord as God.

Psalms 111 and 112 are very similar. Both are acrostics: each line of the original begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Most of the lines in each are three Hebrew words long. Both use phrases and ideas seen elsewhere in Proverbs and Psalms. This psalm emphasizes praise for God's wonderful works in the past. The next, Psalm 112, focuses on the blessings which come from and to those who worship and revere the Lord.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.