Bible Commentaries
Psalms 111

Verses 1-10

This is another acrostic psalm, but differing from others by the brevity of its metre. It has no title in the Hebrew, but is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise.

Psalms 111:1 . In the assembly. סוד sod, the secret or separate assembly; for such assemblies, or more select and private meetings, the people of God have always enjoyed for religious communion apart from the congregation, or public assembly of the outward courts. Public worship being of divine authority, all men should attend to it, and David gives examples by frequently taking a part in social worship.

Psalms 111:9 . He hath commanded his covenant for ever. Not the law of a carnal commandment, but of an endless life. The righteousness brought in by the Messiah being everlasting, all men are justified by faith in him, and not by works.

Psalms 111:10 . The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. See Proverbs 3:13; Proverbs 9:10.

REFLECTIONS.

This and the two following psalms break out with hallelujah, or praise ye the Lord; and David sets the example by praising him with his whole heart. How much may one man, animated by the Spirit of God, revive and quicken a whole assembly, met together for religious worship.

The subject of his praise is, the works of the Lord, which are great and marvellous. Men who love God, will often meditate on the glories of heaven, and the beauties of the earth. These are subjects which attract the study of angels, and inspire a celestial song.

God’s righteousness is displayed in all his works. He is the God of providence; and judgment and justice are the habitation of his throne. How sanctifying is the thought!

This psalm also praises God for his peculiar mercies to Israel. He sent redemption to them in Egypt, figurative of our redemption by Christ. Holy and reverend is his name for ever. The fear of the Lord, or being supremely devoted to him, is the beginning of wisdom; or as some read, it is the highest wisdom. Consequently it should be our first duty, and our constant delight. May the Lord assist us, in reading psalms of this nature, to enter fully into the spirit in which they were composed.