PSALM 111

Ps 111:1-10. The Psalmist celebrates God's gracious dealings with His people, of which a summary statement is given.

1. Praise ye the Lord-or, Hallelujah (Ps 104:35). This seems to serve as a title to those of the later Psalms, which, like this, set forth God's gracious government and its blessed fruits. This praise claims the

whole heart-(Ps 86:12), and is rendered publicly.

upright-a title of the true Israel (Ps 32:11).

2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

2. His works, that is, of providence and grace are

sought-or, carefully studied, by all desiring to know them.

3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

3, 4. honourable and glorious-literally, "honor and majesty," which illustrate His glorious perfections.

righteousness-(Ps 7:17; 31:1), which He has made memorable by wonders of love and mercy, in supplying the wants of His people according to covenant engagements.

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.

6-8. His power was shown especially in giving them the promised land, and His faithfulness and justice thus displayed are, like His precepts, reliable and of permanent obligation.

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.

9. The deliverance He provided accorded to His established covenant. Thus He manifested Himself in the sum of His perfections (Ps 20:1, 7; 22:3) worthy of reverence.

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.

10. And hence love and fear of such a God is the chief element of true wisdom (compare Pr 1:7; 9:10).