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Psalms 111
An acrostic: in Hebrew each line begins with the next letter of the alphabet, so the praise runs through the whole alphabet by design. The subject is God's works — great, honorable, remembered, sealed by covenant. The vocabulary is concrete: food given to those who fear him (v.5), the heritage of nations handed over (v.6), precepts that are "sure" and stand forever (vv.7-8). The famous closing line — "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" — sets up the very next psalm.
- 1
Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
- 2
The LORD’s works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them.
- 3
His work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever.
- 4
He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. The LORD is gracious and merciful.
- 5
He has given food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant.
- 6
He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
- 7
The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure.
- 8
They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.
- 9
He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awesome!
- 10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
A pair with Psalm 112
111 and 112 are deliberate twins. Both are acrostics of the same length; both share phrases like "his righteousness endures forever." This one praises the LORD's character and works; the next applies those same qualities to the person who fears him. Read together, the second answers the first.
The hinge is the last verse here. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" closes the catalogue of divine works and opens the door to Psalm 112, which begins precisely with the one who fears the LORD.
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