◄ Psalm 111 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Majestic Is His Work Psalm 111 invites us to a grand spectacle of God's glory, righteousness, and faithfulness. It challenges us to revere God's awe-inspiring wisdom, mirrored in His creations and acts. The Psalm reminds us that the true beginning of wisdom lies in the fear of the Lord, and those who live by His commands are truly enlightened. God's praise, like His covenant, stands forever, urging us to join in the eternal chorus of divine adoration. Verses 1-4: Exalting God's Greatness The psalmist opens by expressing their wholehearted praise for God in the company of the upright. He recollects the magnificent works of God and commits to seeking and pondering over them. God's righteousness, He asserts, endures forever, and His wonders are a testament to His grace and compassion. Verses 5-7: Reflecting on God's Faithfulness and Righteousness The psalmist acknowledges God's provision for those who revere Him, reminding us of God's eternal covenant. He describes God's powerful works that demonstrate His faithfulness and justice. The works of His hands are trustworthy and just, and His precepts are enduring, carried out in truth and uprightness. Verses 8-10: God's Wisdom and Everlasting Covenant In the closing verses, the psalmist proclaims that God's precepts stand firm forever, secured by His righteousness. He declares the redemption God has sent to His people and His everlasting covenant. The fear of the Lord is extolled as the beginning of wisdom, and those who follow His commands have good understanding. His praise endures forever. Psalm 111 is a powerful hymn that radiates the greatness, righteousness, and faithfulness of God. The psalmist exalts in the wondrous deeds of God, recognizing His wisdom and unending covenant with His people. This psalm beautifully encapsulates the awe-inspiring reverence, love, and praise that humanity should have for God. Teaching Points Praise and Worship The psalm begins with a call to praise: Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly (Psalm 111:1). This sets the tone for wholehearted worship and gratitude. God’s Works The psalmist emphasizes the greatness of God’s works: Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them (Psalm 111:2). This invites us to meditate on and appreciate the magnitude of God’s actions. God’s Character The psalm highlights God’s righteousness and faithfulness: He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate (Psalm 111:4). These attributes assure us of His unchanging nature. Covenant Faithfulness The psalmist reminds us of God’s covenant: He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant (Psalm 111:5). This underscores God’s commitment to His promises. Wisdom and Understanding The fear of the Lord is presented as the foundation of wisdom: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding (Psalm 111:10). This teaches us the importance of reverence for God in gaining true wisdom. Practical Applications Cultivate Gratitude Regularly take time to thank God for His works in your life, both big and small. Meditate on God’s Works Spend time reflecting on the specific ways God has shown His power and faithfulness in your life and in the world. Embrace God’s Character Seek to embody God’s attributes of grace and compassion in your interactions with others. Trust in God’s Promises Hold fast to the promises of God, knowing that He is faithful to His covenant. Pursue Wisdom Make the fear of the Lord a priority in your life, seeking wisdom through His Word and guidance. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in Psalm 111, the LORD is praised for His great works, righteousness, and enduring covenant. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," which is often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. The Psalm highlights His attributes such as graciousness, compassion, and faithfulness. It emphasizes His role as the provider of redemption and the one who establishes His covenant forever. The Psalm does not mention other specific persons, focusing instead on the attributes and deeds of the LORD. Places 1. The Assembly of the Upright This refers to the gathering of believers or the congregation. In Hebrew, the word used is "סוֹד" (sod), which can mean a council or assembly. It implies a place where the faithful come together to worship and praise God. 2. The House of the Lord While not explicitly mentioned in Psalm 111, the context of praising God often implies the temple or a place of worship. In Hebrew tradition, this would be the temple in Jerusalem, a central place for worship and offering praise. 3. The Land of the Living This phrase is not directly in Psalm 111, but it is a common biblical expression that refers to the earthly realm where God's works are evident. It signifies the world as a place where God's deeds are observed and celebrated by the living. Events 1. Praise to the Lord The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord wholeheartedly. The psalmist expresses a commitment to give thanks to the Lord "with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly" (Psalm 111:1). The Hebrew word for "praise" here is "הַלְלוּ" (halelu), which is a call to praise or boast in the Lord. 2. Great Works of the Lord The psalmist acknowledges the greatness of the Lord's works, stating, "Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them" (Psalm 111:2). The Hebrew word for "works" is "מַעֲשֵׂי" (ma'asei), indicating deeds or actions that are significant and worthy of contemplation. 3. Glorious and Majestic Deeds The psalmist describes the Lord's deeds as "glorious and majestic," emphasizing their enduring righteousness: "Splendid and majestic is His work; His righteousness endures forever" (Psalm 111:3). The Hebrew word for "majestic" is "הוֹד" (hod), which conveys a sense of grandeur and honor. 4. Remembrance of His Wonders The psalmist notes that the Lord has made His wonders to be remembered: "He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate" (Psalm 111:4). The Hebrew word for "wonders" is "נִפְלָאוֹת" (nifla'ot), referring to miraculous acts that inspire awe. 5. Provision for His People The psalmist highlights God's provision, stating, "He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever" (Psalm 111:5). The Hebrew word for "provides" is "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or supply. 6. Power of His Works The psalmist speaks of the power of God's works, which He has shown to His people: "He has shown His people the power of His works, giving them the inheritance of the nations" (Psalm 111:6). The Hebrew word for "power" is "כֹּחַ" (koach), indicating strength or might. 7. Faithfulness and Justice The psalmist affirms the faithfulness and justice of God's precepts: "The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are trustworthy" (Psalm 111:7). The Hebrew word for "truth" is "אֱמֶת" (emet), which also conveys reliability and faithfulness. 8. Eternal Precepts The psalmist declares that God's precepts are established forever: "They are upheld forever and ever, enacted in truth and uprightness" (Psalm 111:8). The Hebrew word for "upheld" is "סָמוּךְ" (samukh), meaning supported or sustained. 9. Redemption for His People The psalmist acknowledges God's redemption: "He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name" (Psalm 111:9). The Hebrew word for "redemption" is "פְּדוּת" (pedut), referring to deliverance or liberation. 10. Fear of the Lord The psalm concludes with the assertion that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!" (Psalm 111:10). The Hebrew word for "fear" is "יִרְאָה" (yirah), which implies reverence and awe. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 145:3-5 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable. One generation will commend Your works to the next, and they shall proclaim Your mighty acts. Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Prayer Points Praise God for His Mighty Works Thank God for His incredible deeds and His presence in your life. Seek a Heart of Gratitude Ask God to help you cultivate a heart that is always thankful and aware of His blessings. Pray for Wisdom Request God’s guidance to live in reverence and gain wisdom through His Word. Trust in God’s Faithfulness Pray for the strength to trust in God’s promises and His covenant faithfulness in all circumstances. As we conclude this study, let us carry the truths of Psalm 111 into our daily lives, continually praising God for His greatness and seeking to live in accordance with His wisdom and faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Psalm 111 inspire you to appreciate God's works in your daily life? 2. What does the "fear of the Lord" mean to you? How does it correlate to wisdom in the context of the Psalm and your personal experiences? 3. How do you perceive God's righteousness as discussed in Psalm 111? Can you relate it to any situations in your own life? 4. How can we seek and meditate on God's works as the psalmist does? 5. How can we apply the concepts of faithfulness and righteousness from Psalm 111 in our relationships with others? 6. How does the theme of God's everlasting covenant resonate with you? How does it influence your faith journey? 7. Discuss a time when you felt the need to praise God wholeheartedly as the psalmist does in this chapter. 8. In what ways have you seen the truth of Psalm 111:2 – “Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them” in your life? 9. How does understanding God's precepts bring about a sense of security, as mentioned in verse 8? 10. How does the concept of God's redemption, as mentioned in verse 9, apply to contemporary life? 11. In what ways can you ensure that your praise for God, as described in verse 10, endures forever? 12. What is the significance of the communal setting in Psalm 111, and how does it apply to our modern-day church community? 13. How can we make our praises for God "profound and delightful" as expressed in Psalm 111? 14. How does the Psalmist's approach to worship in Psalm 111 inspire your own worship practices? 15. What role does the theme of God's enduring covenant play in your personal faith and relationship with God? 16. How can you use Psalm 111 as a model for expressing gratitude and reverence towards God? 17. What does the statement "His praise endures forever" mean in the context of your personal faith journey? 18. How do you see God's faithfulness manifested in the world around you, and how does it strengthen your faith? 19. How does Psalm 111 inspire you to deepen your understanding of God's precepts and live according to them? 20. In the light of Psalm 111, how would you redefine wisdom in the context of modern-day living? Topics 1. Praise for the Lord's Works The psalm begins with a call to praise: "Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly" (Psalm 111:1). The Hebrew word "Hallelujah" (הַלְלוּיָהּ) is a command to praise Yahweh, emphasizing wholehearted worship. 2. Greatness of God's Works The psalmist declares, "Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them" (Psalm 111:2). The Hebrew word for "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) underscores the magnitude and significance of God's actions. 3. Glory and Majesty of God's Deeds "Splendid and majestic is His work; His righteousness endures forever" (Psalm 111:3). The terms "splendid" (הוֹד, hod) and "majestic" (הָדָר, hadar) reflect the beauty and honor inherent in God's deeds. 4. Remembrance of God's Wonders "He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate" (Psalm 111:4). The Hebrew root זָכַר (zakar) for "remembered" indicates the intentional act of recalling God's miraculous acts. 5. Provision and Covenant Faithfulness "He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever" (Psalm 111:5). The word "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) signifies God's enduring promise and faithfulness to His people. 6. Power of God's Works "He has shown His people the power of His works by giving them the inheritance of the nations" (Psalm 111:6). The Hebrew word for "power" (כֹּחַ, koach) highlights God's strength and authority. 7. Truth and Justice of God's Precepts "The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are trustworthy" (Psalm 111:7). The terms "truth" (אֱמֶת, emet) and "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) emphasize the reliability and fairness of God's commands. 8. Permanence of God's Commands "They are upheld forever and ever, enacted in truth and uprightness" (Psalm 111:8). The eternal nature of God's commands is underscored by the phrase "forever and ever" (לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד, le'olam va'ed). 9. Redemption and Holiness "He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name" (Psalm 111:9). The Hebrew word for "redemption" (פְּדוּת, pedut) signifies deliverance, and "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, kadosh) denotes God's sacredness. 10. Fear of the Lord as Wisdom "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!" (Psalm 111:10). The "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah) of the Lord is foundational to wisdom, indicating reverence and awe. Themes 1. Praise and Worship of God The psalm begins with a call to praise: "Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly" (Psalm 111:1). The Hebrew word "Hallelujah" (הַלְלוּיָהּ) is a call to praise Yahweh, emphasizing the importance of worship in the community of believers. 2. God’s Works and Deeds The psalmist reflects on the greatness of God's works: "Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them" (Psalm 111:2). The Hebrew word for "works" (מַעֲשֵׂי) underscores the mighty acts of God, inviting believers to meditate on His creation and providence. 3. God’s Righteousness and Faithfulness The psalm highlights God's enduring righteousness: "His righteousness endures forever" (Psalm 111:3). The Hebrew term for "righteousness" (צִדְקָתוֹ) conveys God's moral perfection and faithfulness to His covenant. 4. God’s Grace and Compassion The psalmist acknowledges God's mercy: "The LORD is gracious and compassionate" (Psalm 111:4). The Hebrew words "gracious" (חַנּוּן) and "compassionate" (רַחוּם) reflect God's loving-kindness and tender mercy towards His people. 5. God’s Provision and Covenant The psalm speaks of God's provision: "He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever" (Psalm 111:5). The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִיתוֹ) emphasizes God's unbreakable promise and faithfulness to His people. 6. God’s Power and Redemption The psalmist celebrates God's redemptive acts: "He has shown His people the power of His works, giving them the inheritance of the nations" (Psalm 111:6). The Hebrew root for "power" (כֹּחַ) highlights God's sovereign ability to deliver and redeem His people. 7. God’s Precepts and Wisdom The psalm underscores the reliability of God's commands: "The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are trustworthy" (Psalm 111:7). The Hebrew word for "precepts" (פִּקּוּדָיו) indicates God's instructions, which are a source of wisdom and guidance. 8. Fear of the Lord The psalm concludes with the foundational principle of wisdom: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding" (Psalm 111:10). The Hebrew term for "fear" (יִרְאַת) signifies reverence and awe, which is the starting point for true wisdom. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions