Psalms Chapter 111

Chapter Overview

Psalm 111 elevates praise through a reflective, communal testimony about the works and character of the Lord. The psalmist invites the congregation to praise God with whole-hearted devotion in unity with the upright. The chapter emphasizes the magnificence of God’s works, which are “great,” “honourable,” and “glorious,” with a focus on memory—the Lord’s wonderful works being remembered. The psalm underscores God’s graciousness, compassion, covenant faithfulness, and redemptive acts, highlighting that divine provisions (including daily sustenance and the unveiling of righteousness) are both visible and trustworthy. The call to reverence is followed by a sustained commitment to obedience: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and those who keep God’s commandments are blessed to have enduring understanding.

In prophetic and wisdom terms, Psalm 111 binds knowledge of God to ethical living and communal flourishing. It frames history in terms of God’s redemptive activity and insists that divine faithfulness becomes the ground for human trust and moral action. The structure is orderly and didactic: praise leads to memory of God’s works, which in turn informs ethics and wisdom.

Historical & Literary Context

Psalm 111 sits among the psalms of praise and wisdom. It is a compact, well-structured poem that uses parallelism and repetition to reinforce its message. Its literary form is hymn-like yet infused with didactic theology: praise as confession, memory as a teacher, and obedience as wisdom. The designation “Praise ye the LORD” sets the tone as a liturgical summons to praise God in community.

In the broader biblical arc, Psalm 111 connects divine action (redemption, covenant, and revelation) with human response (fear of the Lord, obedience, and ethical living). The psalm’s emphasis on “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” echoes throughout biblical wisdom literature, while the emphasis on God’s works being remembered resonates with the tradition of remembering acts of salvation in Israel’s history.

Key Themes

- Praise as memory and proclamation: God’s deeds are rehearsed to shape present faith.

- Covenant faithfulness and redemptive acts: God’s reliable, compassionate character is central.

- Wisdom begins with reverence: ethical living flows from a proper understanding of God.

- The universality and reliability of God’s commandments: truth endures forever.

Modern Application

Psalm 111 offers a robust template for spiritual formation in contemporary life. It invites believers to cultivate gratitude and to anchor daily living in the trustworthiness of God’s character. Practically, this can translate into regular acts of remembrance—retelling God’s redemptive acts in family or community settings—and applying God’s commandments to modern ethical decisions (justice, mercy, integrity, care for the vulnerable).

The psalm’s wisdom motif encourages readers to pursue discernment in daily choices—work, finances, relationships—by anchoring decisions in reverence for God. It also reinforces communal worship as a school of virtue, where remembering God’s acts becomes a teacher for those who seek to live faithfully in a complex world.

- Psalm 112 (blessed is the one who fears the LORD)

- Psalm 19 (the law of the LORD is perfect)

- Psalm 103 (God’s steadfast love and benefits)

- Deuteronomy 6:1–9 (commandments and wisdom)

Recommended Personas

- Moses (the lawgiver and faithful leader)

- Jesus (fulfillment of wisdom and God’s righteousness)

- Paul (the theological reading of God’s works and faithfulness)