Psalm 111
Israel Celebrating the Works of Jehovah in Deliverance
Israel Celebrating the Works of Jehovah in Deliverance
Psalm 111. This is an orphan Psalm, which usually means it is appended to the previous Psalm and by the same author. In Psalm 110 we had the glorification of Christ at Jehovah’s right hand and also in victorious conquest over His enemies. Here we have praise of Israel for the deliverance that results from Christ’s appearing and kingdom. This is Millennial praise! This Psalm begins a series of three that begin with “Hallelujah!”.
PSALM 111
1 Hallelujah! I will celebrate Jehovah with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the assembly.
v.1 Introduction. The first verse gives the introduction, beginning with “Hallelujah”, meaning “Praise Jah/Jehovah”. Here we have the voice of restored Israel, praising Jehovah with their whole heart, “in the council of the upright, and in the assembly”.
2 Great are the works of Jehovah; sought out of all that delight in them.
3 His work is majesty and splendour, and his righteousness abideth for ever.
4 He hath made his wonders to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He hath shewn his people the power of his works, to give them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are truth and judgment; all his precepts are faithful:
8 Maintained for ever and ever, done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent deliverance unto his people; he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and terrible is his name.
10 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his precepts: his praise abideth for ever.
vv.2-10 Israel Celebrating the Works of Jehovah. The Psalm continues as the celebration of the works of Jehovah, as appreciated by those who “delight in them”, and “that fear him”. The context is particularly the power and majesty of Jehovah put forth in the deliverance of Israel; “He hath shewn his people the power of his works, to give them the heritage of the nations”. This displays on one hand Jehovah’s grace and mercy (v.4), and on the other His truth and judgment (v.7). It will be known that Jehovah has been faithful to His covenant, which would seem to refer to the Abrahamic covenant, “to give them the heritage of the nations”. The Psalm concludes with a moral lesson which Israel will teach to the nations. It is one of their ancient proverbs; “The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom”. What a lesson Israel has learned! The Millennial praise of Jehovah will go on as long as time shall run (v.10).