Bible Commentaries
Psalms 111

Verses 1-10

Psalms 111

Hallelujah Works

The following three Psalms , 111, 112, 113, form a triad of “Hallelujah Psalms,” with the 1^st verse of each beginning “Praise ye the Lord,” or “shout out Jehovah,” because of His wonderful deeds.

Verse 1 is a Davidic call for praise to the Lord, with his pledge to praise Him with his whole heart, or deep sincerity, Psalms 86:12. He adds that he will offer this hearty praise both in the assembly of the upright, the pious religious leaders, and in the congregation of all the people of Israel, publicly, Psalms 7:7; Psalms 25:14.

Verses 2, 3 declare’ the works of the Lord are: 1) Great; 2) Honorable; and 3) Glorious; They too are sought out of all those who take pleasure in them, who diligently seek, by meditation, to find comfort and profit it them, Deuteronomy 4:34; Job 38:1; Revelation 15:3; Psalms 143:5; Psalms 119:45; Psalms 119:94; Psalms 119:155; Psalms 1:2. Honor and majesty exist in His work, Psalms 104:1.

Verses 4, 5 assert the Lord is (by nature) "glorious and full of compassion," having made his wonderful works to be remembered, Exodus 34:6.
Verse 5 recounts that he has given food to those who feared Him, Psalms 19:9, as related Exodus 12:36; it is added "He will ever be mindful of his covenant," as in the past, Genesis 15:14; Proverbs 31:15; Malachi 3:10.

Verse 6 relates the Lord has (visibly) shown His people the power of His works, that He might dole out to them the heritage of the heathen, by giving them Canaan, their promised land, Genesis 15:18; Genesis 17:8.

Verses 7, 8 certify that all the works of the Lord’s hands are done in verity and judgment, in harmony with His promises and warnings, to be seen by all. "All his commandments are sure," without error, ir­revocable and unchanging, Psalms 19:8; Psalms 105:8; They are said "to stand fast for ever and ever," established, being "done in. truth and uprightness," firmly supported, Psalms 19:9; Psalms 119:127-128; Romans 7:12; Revelation 15:3.

Verse 9 recounts that He sent redemption for all men, Luke 1:68; Ephesians 1:7; Isaiah 35:10; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 8:23. Because He has mandated His covenant with Israel for ever, His name is "holy and revered," to be held in highest esteem, Psalms 42:8; Psalms 133:3; Deuteronomy 28:8.

Verse 10 concludes that "The fear reverence for the Lord is (exists as) the beginning of wisdom," in the light of who He is, what He has done, and is yet doing for men, as certified Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13. This fear calls for men to delight themselves in His commandments, as the Holy and Revered God, Deuteronomy 28:58. All who do or practice keeping His commandments are said to have a "good (ideal) understanding," by reason of their obedience, Proverbs 3:4; Proverbs 13:14-15. "His praise endures (lasts) for ever," as a worthy thing, Matthew 25:31; Matthew 25:33; John 5:44; John 12:43; Romans 2:7; Romans 2:29; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 1:7.