Psalms 111

Psalms 111:1-3

1. Introductory praise 111:1-3 After a call to praise Yahweh, the unknown psalmist promised that he would praise God publicly. The greatness of God’s works, which those who love them study, drew his praise. He also gloried in God’s ceaseless righteousness.

Psalms 111:4-9

2. Praise for specific works 111:4-9 Psalms 111:4 states the theme of this section. God graciously helped His people, and consequently they remember to praise Him. Psalms 111:5-6 cite examples of God’s goodness. In Psalms 111:7-9, the writer praised God further for His redemption and His faithfulness.

Psalms 111:10

3. Concluding wisdom 111:10 The writer may have quoted Job 28:28, Proverbs 1:7 or Psalms 9:10, or Ecclesiastes 12:13.

“This famous saying is virtually the motto of the Wisdom writers, where its truth appears in various forms .. .” [Note: Kidner, Psalms 73-150, p. 398. In view of God’s great acts and faithfulness, fearing Him is the better part of wisdom. Obedience expresses reverential trust. Continuing worship is also appropriate. Some interpreters take the last clause as a prayer rather than a statement. [Note: E.g., Dahood, 3:125. God’s people should commit to memory the great characteristics and works of their God so they will remember to trust and obey Him.