Psalms 111

1 alleluia reversionis Aggei et Zacchariae beatus vir qui timet Dominum in mandatis eius volet nimis

2 potens in terra erit semen eius generatio rectorum benedicetur

3 gloria et divitiae in domo eius et iustitia eius manet in saeculum saeculi

4 exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis misericors et miserator et iustus

5 iucundus homo qui miseretur et commodat disponet sermones suos in iudicio

6 quia in aeternum non commovebitur

7 in memoria aeterna erit iustus ab auditione mala non timebit paratum cor eius sperare in Domino

8 confirmatum est cor eius non commovebitur donec dispiciat inimicos suos

9 dispersit dedit pauperibus iustitia eius manet in saeculum saeculi cornu eius exaltabitur in gloria

10 peccator videbit et irascetur dentibus suis fremet et tabescet desiderium peccatorum peribit

Psalms 111 Commentary

Chapter 111

The Lord is to be praised for his works.

- The psalmist resolves to praise God himself. Our exhortations and our examples should agree together. He recommends the works of the Lord, as the proper subject, when we are praising him; and the dealings of his providence toward the world, the church, and particular persons. All the works of the Lord are spoken of as one, it is his work; so admirably do all the dispensations of his providence centre in one design. The works of God, humbly and diligently sought into, shall all be found just and holy. God's pardoning sin is the most wonderful of all his works, and ought to be remembered to his glory. He will ever be mindful of his covenant; he has ever been so, and he ever will be so. His works of providence were done according to the truth of the Divine promises and prophecies, and so were verity, or truth; and by him who has a right to dispose of the earth as he pleases, and so are judgment, or righteous: and this holds good ( psalms 111:7-8 ) God's commandments are sure; all have been fulfilled by Christ, and remain with him for a rule of walk and conversation to us. He sent redemption unto his people, out of Egypt at first, and often afterwards; and these were typical of the great redemption, which in the fulness of time was to be wrought out by the Lord Jesus. Here his everlasting righteousness shines forth in union with his boundless mercy. No man is wise who does not fear the Lord; no man acts wisely except as influenced by that fear. This fear will lead to repentance, to faith in Christ, to watchfulness and obedience. Such persons are of a good understanding, however poor, unlearned, or despised.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 111

This psalm, though without a name, is thought to be penned by David; it is composed in an artificial manner, in an alphabetical order, each clause or sentence beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in course, till the whole is finished; this perhaps was done to recommend the psalm, to make it more observed, and to help the memory; the general design of it is to excite to praise the Lord, from the consideration of his great and wonderful works.