Psalm 111 Study Notes

111:1-10 This psalm is an acrostic, the first letter of each half verse following the order of the Hebrew alphabet (vv. 9 and 10 are three lines each). This psalm provides the theological basis for Ps 112.

111:1 On Hallelujah! see note at 104:35. The psalmist praised the Lord both privately and publicly.

111:2 Studied is literally “sought out.”

111:3 The words translated splendid and majestic occur together six times in the OT. It is literally “splendor and majesty his work.”

111:4 Wondrous works usually refers to God’s saving acts. He caused them to be remembered in the Passover and other feasts.

111:5 Food is from the Hebrew word for “prey” (tereph), possibly implying provision in the wilderness (Ex 16; Nm 11:31-32; Jb 24:5). On those who fear him, see note at 112:8.

111:6 The two lines of v. 6 form the approximate center of the psalm. To give the inheritance of the nations reinforces the Lord’s gift of land to Israel during the conquest of Canaan. The Lord handed over the heritage inhabited by other nations to his chosen people.

111:7-8 All the works of his hands are reliable and just. His instructions should be carried out in faithfulness and uprightness.

111:9 Redemption (Hb padah) denotes the exchange of a payment price for liberation (Dt 7:8; Is 35:10; 50:2; 51:11), and it occurs in this noun form only three other times (Ex 8:23, “distinction”; Ps 130:7; Is 50:2). To refer to God’s name as awe-inspiring (lit “to be feared”) implies a covenantal relationship (68:35; 89:7; 99:3; Ex 34:10; Dt 7:21; 28:58).

111:10 The beginning of wisdom is a wisdom expression (112:1; Jb 28:28; Pr 1:7; 15:33).