1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Psalm 111, a psalm of praise, is part of the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. This psalm is anonymous, but it belongs to the "Hallel" collection of psalms (Psalms 113-118) used in Jewish liturgy at major religious festivals. The psalmist, in this psalm, praises God for His works and His everlasting righteousness. The main themes of this psalm include the greatness of God's works, the righteousness of God, and the importance of wisdom.
The psalm begins with a call to praise God with all one's heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The psalmist expresses a deep sense of gratitude and awe for God's wonderful works. The psalmist writes, "The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein" (Psalm 111:2, KJV). This verse underscores the beauty and grandeur of God's creation, which provides joy and pleasure to those who appreciate it.
The psalmist also emphasizes the righteousness of God's works, "His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth forever" (Psalm 111:3, KJV). The psalmist asserts that God's work is not only magnificent but also morally upright. God's righteousness, unlike human righteousness, is eternal and unchanging. This theme of the enduring righteousness of God is a recurring motif in the psalms and throughout the Bible.
The psalmist further notes God's faithfulness and justice, "He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant" (Psalm 111:5, KJV). God is portrayed as a provider who sustains those who revere Him. God's faithfulness is seen in His remembrance of His covenant. This covenant is a divine promise, an agreement that God made with His people, which He will never forget or break.
The psalmist goes on to describe God's justice, "The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure" (Psalm 111:7, KJV). God's works are characterized by truth and judgment, and His commandments are reliable and trustworthy. This verse reflects the belief in a God who is just and fair, whose laws provide a firm foundation for ethical living.
In the concluding verses of the psalm, the psalmist introduces the theme of wisdom. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever" (Psalm 111:10, KJV). The fear of the Lord, which can be understood as a profound respect and awe for God, is the starting point of wisdom. Those who follow God's commandments have a good understanding. This suggests that wisdom is more than intellectual knowledge; it involves moral discernment and ethical action.
The psalmist's final affirmation is that God's praise endures forever. This statement encapsulates the central message of the psalm: that God, in His greatness, righteousness, faithfulness, justice, and wisdom, is worthy of eternal praise.
To fully appreciate Psalm 111, it's important to consider its historical and literary context. This psalm, like many others, was likely used in public worship, providing the community with words to express their reverence for God. Its structure and content suggest that it may have been used as a hymn of praise, possibly during a festival or other community celebration.
The psalm's emphasis on God's works, righteousness, and wisdom may reflect the community's experiences and beliefs. The community may have seen evidence of God's greatness in the natural world, His righteousness in the moral order of the universe, and His wisdom in the law and in the insights of their spiritual leaders.
For modern readers, Psalm 111 offers a rich resource for reflection and worship. Its themes of divine greatness, righteousness, faithfulness, justice, and wisdom are timeless and universal. This psalm invites us to marvel at the beauty and complexity of the world, to strive for moral integrity, to trust in God's faithfulness, to seek justice, and to pursue wisdom through reverence for God.
In conclusion, Psalm 111 is a profound and beautiful hymn of praise that exalts God for His wonderful works, His everlasting righteousness, His faithfulness, His justice, and His wisdom. It calls us to a life of reverence, moral integrity, trust, justice, and wisdom. As we reflect on this psalm, we are invited to join the psalmist in declaring, "Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation" (Psalm 111:1, KJV). In doing so, we affirm that our lives, like the psalm itself, are ultimately about praising and serving God, the source of all goodness, truth, and wisdom.
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