Bible Commentaries
Psalms 112

Verse 1

1. The blessed condition of those who fear Yahweh 112:1

This anonymous psalm begins with "Hallelujah," as do the ones immediately preceding and following it. They are all "Hallel" psalms. Then the writer stated the main idea he wanted to communicate.

Verses 1-10

Psalms 112

This wisdom psalm is also an acrostic. It focuses attention on the blessings those who fear God enjoy, especially their final exaltation.

"However, the psalm gives a realistic portrayal of wisdom as it brings out, not only the blessings of honor, children, and riches, but also the reality of adversities (’darkness,’ Psalms 112:4; ’bad news,’ Psalms 112:7; ’foes,’ Psalms 112:8)." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 706.]

Verses 2-9

2. The blessings the righteous enjoy 112:2-9

There are five blessings that normally come to the righteous. First, the righteous person (living under the Mosaic Covenant) receives physical and material prosperity (Psalms 112:2-3). Second, he obtains light in his darkness (Psalms 112:4). Third, goodness comes to him for his generosity and justice (Psalms 112:5). Fourth, he enjoys stability and confidence (Psalms 112:6-8). Fifth, he gets strength and honor from the Lord because he gives to the poor (Psalms 112:9).

"In a way this psalm can be taken as a calculating guide on how to be happy. But its claim goes well beyond that. It asserts that giving life resources away to others in the community is the way to real joy. This psalm is echoed in Jesus’ teaching, ’Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied’ (Matthew 5:6)." [Note: Brueggemann, p. 47.]

Verse 10

3. The anxiety the wicked experience 112:10

God’s goodness to the righteous fills the wicked with anxiety. Finally they perish.

God’s people need to remember God’s blessings to them and give God praise for these things-so that they won’t envy the wicked, whose lot is much worse.