Psalm 112:9
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor
This phrase highlights the generous nature of the righteous person. The Hebrew root for "scattered" is "פזר" (pazar), which conveys the idea of dispersing or spreading widely. This action is not done sparingly but with liberality, reflecting a heart that mirrors God's own generosity. In the historical context of ancient Israel, giving to the poor was not only a social duty but a spiritual act of worship and obedience to God. The righteous person understands that their resources are not solely for personal gain but are entrusted to them by God to bless others.

his righteousness endures forever
The word "righteousness" in Hebrew is "צדקה" (tsedaqah), which encompasses justice, rightness, and ethical conduct. This righteousness is not a fleeting attribute but one that "endures forever." The eternal nature of righteousness is a recurring theme in the Psalms, emphasizing that acts of kindness and justice have lasting significance in God's eyes. This enduring righteousness is a reflection of God's own eternal nature and His unchanging standards of holiness and justice.

his horn will be lifted high in honor
The "horn" is a symbol of strength and power in biblical literature. In Hebrew, the word is "קרן" (qeren), often used metaphorically to represent dignity and honor. The lifting of the horn signifies exaltation and victory. In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, horns were often associated with animals like oxen or rams, symbolizing might and authority. The promise that the righteous person's horn will be "lifted high in honor" assures believers that God will ultimately vindicate and honor those who live according to His righteous standards. This is a powerful reminder that true honor and recognition come from God, not from human accolades.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Righteous Man
The primary subject of Psalm 112, representing those who live in accordance with God's will, characterized by generosity and enduring righteousness.

2. The Poor
Recipients of the righteous man's generosity, symbolizing those in need within the community.

3. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to David, the psalmist provides wisdom literature that reflects on the blessings of living a righteous life.

4. The Community of Believers
Implicitly involved as witnesses to the righteous man's actions and the resulting honor from God.

5. God
The ultimate source of righteousness and honor, who blesses the righteous man's actions.
Teaching Points
Generosity as a Reflection of Righteousness
True righteousness is demonstrated through generous actions towards those in need.

Our giving should be motivated by love and compassion, not for personal gain or recognition.

Enduring Righteousness
The righteousness of the generous endures forever, signifying eternal rewards and God's approval.

Our actions have lasting impacts, both in this life and in eternity.

Honor from God
God honors those who live righteously and generously, lifting them up in due time.

Seek honor from God rather than from people, as divine honor is eternal and fulfilling.

Practical Generosity
Look for opportunities to give to those in need within your community.

Consider how your resources can be used to bless others and advance God's kingdom.

Living as a Witness
Our actions serve as a testimony to others about the character of God.

Encourage others in the faith by living out the principles of generosity and righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of scattering gifts to the poor in Psalm 112:9 challenge your current approach to generosity?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your righteousness endures forever, as described in this verse?

3. How does the promise of honor from God motivate you to live a life of generosity and righteousness?

4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the impact of generosity. How did it align with the teachings of Psalm 112:9?

5. How can you apply the principles of Psalm 112:9 in your daily life, and what other scriptures support this application?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Corinthians 9:9
Paul quotes Psalm 112:9 to encourage the Corinthian church in their generosity, highlighting the enduring nature of righteousness.

Proverbs 11:24-25
These verses discuss the principle of generosity leading to prosperity, aligning with the theme of scattering gifts to the poor.

Matthew 6:1-4
Jesus teaches about giving to the needy in secret, which complements the righteous man's discreet generosity in Psalm 112.

Isaiah 58:7-8
This passage emphasizes the importance of sharing with the needy and the resulting blessings, similar to the themes in Psalm 112.

Acts 10:2-4
Cornelius is described as a devout man who gave generously to those in need, reflecting the character of the righteous man in Psalm 112.
Giving as a Sign of CharacterR. Tuck Psalm 112:9
Genuine PietyHomilistPsalm 112:1-10
The Blessed LifeS. Conway Psalm 112:1-10
The Blessedness of the Eminently GoodC. Short Psalm 112:1-10
The Commendation and Reward of the Benevolent ManE. Steane.Psalm 112:9-10
The Excellency and Reward of CharityW. Berriman, D.D.Psalm 112:9-10
Thy Duty and Reward of Bounty to the PoorPsalm 112:9-10
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abideth, Abroad, Dispersed, Distributed, Endures, Endureth, Exalted, Forever, Freely, Gifts, Giveth, Hands, Honor, Honour, Horn, Lifted, Needy, Open, Poor, Righteousness, Scattered, Scattereth, Standing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 112:9

     1125   God, righteousness
     4654   horn
     5325   gifts
     5448   poverty, attitudes to
     5449   poverty, remedies
     8262   generosity, human

Library
Letter viii (Circa A. D. 1130) to Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor
To Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor He praises Gilbert, who practised poverty in the station of Bishop. The report of your conduct has spread far and wide, and has given to those whom it has reached an odour of great sweetness. The love of riches is extinct; what sweetness results! charity reigns; what a delight to all! All recognise you for a truly wise man, who has trodden under foot the great enemy with true wisdom; and this is most worthy of your name and of your priesthood. It was
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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