Bible Commentaries
Psalms 111

Verses 1-10

PSALM 111

Christ in the midst of the assembly of His people leading their praises to God for His wonderful works.

Psalm 111 is the first of a group of three psalms each beginning with a Hallelujah, or “Praise ye the Lord.” The first celebrates Jehovah's works and ways; the second celebrates the blessing of His people; the third the glory of His Name.

Psalm 111 and 112, are both alphabetical psalms. The twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet mark, in regular order, the beginning of the clauses.

(v. 1) In Psa_109:30 , Christ is presented in the day of His humiliation, alone and forsaken by men, looking on to the time when He will be the leader of the praise in the midst of the congregation. Psalm 110 , presents Christ in exaltation, as a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Psalm 111 opens with presenting Christ exercising this priesthood and leading the praise to God in the midst of the congregation of His people. When He leads the praise it will be whole-hearted.

(vv. 2-4) The works of the Lord are the theme of the praise (vv. 2-4, 6-7). His works are, and must be, like Himself, great, honourable, glorious, enduring, gracious and full of compassion. The godly seek out His works, find pleasure in them; the Lord makes them to be remembered.

(vv. 5-6) His “wonderful works” are wrought on behalf of those that fear Him, that, in faithfulness to His covenant, He may give to His people the heritage of the nations.

(vv. 7-8) Accomplished in truth and righteousness, His works stand fast for ever.

(v. 9) By His work He redeems His people, establishes His covenant, and secures the glory of His Name. Thus is answered the prayer of Christ in humiliation, “Do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name's sake” ( Psa_109:21 ).

(v. 10) God having thus blessedly revealed Himself in His works, it is manifestly the beginning of wisdom to fear the Lord, and obey His commandments. Those who walk in the path of godly obedience will have “a good understanding” of divine ways.