Bible Commentaries
Psalms 111

Verses 1-10

Psalms 111:0

Characteristics - Psalms 111:0 is a complete acrostic with each phrase beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalms 111:1-8 contain two lines each. Psalms 111:9-10 contain three lines each. Psalms 112:0 is the same in its acrostic structure.

Theme - The first stanza of Psalms 111:0 declares His mighty works, while the second stanza praises His Word; for it is by His Word that he has accomplished His works of old (Hebrews 11:3). He continues to do so all things by the power of His excellent Word (2 Peter 3:5-7).

Hebrews 11:3, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

2 Peter 3:5-7, “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

While Psalms 112:0 praises the Lord for the man who works righteousness, this Psalm praises the Lord for His righteous works.

Psalms 111:1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

Psalms 111:1 “Praise ye the LORD” Comments - In the Hebrew the phrase “Praise ye the Lord” is the word “Hallelujah” ( הללו יה ), which literally means, “Praise the Lord.” It serves as an interjection before beginning the stanzas.

Psalms 111:2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Psalms 111:2 Comments - There are many aspects of the Lord’s works. His works of creation are studied by man in the natural sciences. His works among men as He works miracles and divinely intervenes in the affairs of mankind are studied in the social sciences. Every aspect of our lives on this earth, and in Heaven will involve some aspect of learning about and proclaiming God’s mighty works.

Psalms 111:10 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.

Psalms 111:10 Comments - In his book The Call Rick Joyner is told, “Obedience in the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, but the fullness of wisdom is to obey because of your love for God.” [107]

[107] Rick Joyner, The Call (Charlotte, North Carolina: Morning Star Publications, 1999), 61.