Psalm 111 uniquely bridges corporate worship and individual wisdom by moving from communal praise ("in the congregation") to the solitary declaration that "fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
Psalms 111
Praise for God's Wonderful Works
1Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
2The LORD’s works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them.
3His work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever.
4He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. The LORD is gracious and merciful.
5He has given food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant.
6He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure.
8They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.
9He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awesome!
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
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Theme
Psalm 111 is an acrostic hymn of praise celebrating God's wonderful works and faithful character. The psalmist declares wholehearted thanksgiving for the LORD's great deeds, emphasizing His righteousness, grace, and covenant faithfulness to His people. The psalm concludes with the foundational truth that fearing the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, connecting divine reverence with practical understanding.
Context
This acrostic psalm of praise complements the preceding thanksgiving psalms and introduces themes of wisdom that connect with the following wisdom-oriented psalms.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-2 Wholehearted Praise Declared The psalmist commits to giving thanks with his whole heart for the LORD's great works that delight those who study them.
- 3-6 God's Character and Provision God's works display honor, majesty, and enduring righteousness, while He graciously provides for His people and remembers His covenant.
- 7-9 Divine Truth and Redemption The LORD's works embody truth and justice with eternal precepts, culminating in redemption and an everlasting covenant.
- 10 Wisdom Through Reverence True wisdom begins with fearing the LORD, leading to good understanding and enduring praise.
Praise for God's Wonderful Works
111:1–111:10 poetry song celebratory
A psalm of praise celebrating God's wonderful works, righteousness, and covenant faithfulness. It concludes with the declaration that fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
theme_rarity
Psalm 111 uniquely bridges corporate worship and individual wisdom by moving from communal praise ("in the congregation") to the solitary declaration that "fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
Insights
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Psalms 111:4 5 references
Lexicals 5
Nehemiah 9:17 Lexical
and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their…
Nehemiah 9:31 Lexical
“Nevertheless in your manifold mercies you didn’t make a full end of them, nor forsake them; for you are a gracious and…
Exodus 34:6 Lexical
The LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, “The LORD! The LORD, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abun…
Jonah 4:2 Lexical
He prayed to the LORD, and said, “Please, LORD, wasn’t this what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore I…
2 Chronicles 30:9 Lexical
For if you turn again to the LORD, your brothers and your children will find compassion with those who led them captive,…
Psalms 111:10 1 reference
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language
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