Psa 111 | MHM | STEP | The Excellence of the Divine Works This psalm is introduced with the word Hallelujah , which means “Praise the Lord .” The writer begins by showing us how important it is to praise God. He wants everyone to focus on God’s wonderful works and encourages us to think deeply about what God has done for his people throughout history. This section reminds us that God’s actions are always great, just, and full of compassion. We are invited to remember and celebrate his faithfulness and kindness. v. 1 : The psalmist personally decides to praise the Lord with all his heart. He sets an example by choosing to worship God with full devotion, whether he is alone or in the company of good people. The writer teaches us that we should praise God both privately and in public, especially together with others who also want to honor God. This makes our worship even more meaningful and joyful .

‏ Psalms 111

The Excellence of the Divine Works

This psalm is introduced with the word Hallelujah, which means “Praise the Lord.” The writer begins by showing us how important it is to praise God. He wants everyone to focus on God’s wonderful works and encourages us to think deeply about what God has done for his people throughout history. This section reminds us that God’s actions are always great, just, and full of compassion. We are invited to remember and celebrate his faithfulness and kindness.

v. 1: The psalmist personally decides to praise the Lord with all his heart. He sets an example by choosing to worship God with full devotion, whether he is alone or in the company of good people. The writer teaches us that we should praise God both privately and in public, especially together with others who also want to honor God. This makes our worship even more meaningful and joyful .

v. 2: The psalmist tells us that the works of the Lord are very great. They are impressive and show God’s wisdom and power. People who love God enjoy thinking about what he has done; they do not just look quickly, but study his works carefully. Those who seek to understand God’s actions will find wonderful things, because the secret of the Lord is with those that fear him (Psalm 25:14 ^a).

v. 3: All of God’s works are beautiful and show his glory. They are honorable and glorious, and they all work together for a good purpose. God’s righteousness never fails; he always does what is right, and this never changes (Ecclesiastes 3:14 ^b).

v. 4: God’s amazing works are meant to be remembered and celebrated. He does things that are so wonderful that people cannot forget them. God even gives ways for us to remember what he has done, such as special celebrations or traditions. For example, God rescued Israel from Egypt and made sure they remembered it through the Passover. God’s actions make his name famous and show his everlasting power (Isaiah 63:10 ^c).

v. 5: The Lord is kind and full of compassion. He gives food and takes care of those who respect him. God always remembers his promises. He keeps his covenant with his people and provides for them, not just through daily needs but also in special ways, like when he fed Israel with manna in the desert or gave them victory over their enemies. Even when people forget God, he never forgets his promises (Genesis 15:14; Psalm 74:14 ^d).

The Happiness of the Righteous

This section urges us to praise the Lord for all the wonderful things he has done and for his faithfulness to his people. It explains that God’s works are powerful and his promises are secure. God’s actions in history, his words, and his commands are unchanging and trustworthy. True happiness comes from knowing and obeying God, because a respectful fear of the Lord is the beginning of real wisdom.

v. 6: God has shown his people the power of his works by giving Israel the land that belonged to other nations. This happened during the times of Joshua and David, when God helped Israel defeat their enemies and take possession of the land. This shows that God is in control over all nations and can give blessings to his people as he chooses .

v. 7: Everything God does is true and just. His actions are always right, following the best wisdom and fairness. What God has started, he will finish, and nothing can undo his works .

v. 8: God’s works and his commandments stand firm forever. They are established and will never change. His laws and promises cannot be broken, and everything he says or does is done with truth and honesty .

v. 9: God has rescued his people many times, not just from Egypt but also in other difficult times. These acts of rescue point to the greatest redemption, which is through Jesus Christ. God has made a covenant that will last forever, and he has the authority and power to keep every promise he makes (Psalm 111:9; Psalm 105:8 ^e).

v. 10: The psalm ends by saying that God’s name is holy and should be respected with awe. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom—it helps us make good choices and live well. Everyone who obeys God understands what is right, and their lives will be successful and meaningful. God deserves praise forever, because he has given people a clear path to true happiness and wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 3:4 ^f; John 7:17; Joshua 1:8 ^g).