Psalms Chapter 111

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns 10 Verses

What is Psalms 111 about?

One hundred fifty inspired poems and hymns — Israel's prayer book, spanning lament and praise, confession and trust. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Praise ye Jehovah. I will give thanks unto Jehovah with my whole heart, In the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
2The works of Jehovah are great, Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3His work is honor and majesty; And his righteousness endureth for ever.
4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful.
5He hath given food unto them that fear him: He will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6He hath showed his people the power of his works, In giving them the heritage of the nations.
7The works of his hands are truth and justice; All his precepts are sure.
8They are established for ever and ever; They are done in truth and uprightness.
9He hath sent redemption unto his people; He hath commanded his covenant for ever: Holy and reverend is his name.
10The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: His praise endureth for ever. Psalm 112

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Praise ye the Lord, etc.] Or “hallelujah”; this is the title of the psalm, and is expressive of the subject matter of it; and so it stands in the Targum, Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, and Arabic versions; as it should, as appears from the psalm being alphabetical; for the first letter of this word is the fifth and not the first of the alphabet; it is wanting in the Syriac version, which gives the title in this manner, without a name, concerning the glorious virtues of “the works of God; but it exhorts us to give thanks to Christ; and it is said in the person of the apostles.” I will praise the Lord with my…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“God's majesty contrasted with His condescension and gracious dealings towards the humble furnish matter and a call for praise. The Jews, it is said, used this and Psalms 114-118 on their great festivals, and called them the Greater Hallel, or Hymn. (Psa 113:1-9) Earnestness and zeal are denoted by the emphatic repetitions. servants of the Lord--or, all the people of God. name of the Lord--perfections (Psa 5:11; Psa 111:9).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Praise ye the Lord - Margin, “Hallelujah.” See Psalms 106:1. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart - With undivided affections; holding back nothing. I will allow nothing to be in my heart that would interfere with the fullness of praise; no coldness or dividedness of affection; no love for other things that would deaden my love for God; no suspicion respecting him that would chill my ardor; no unbelief that would drag me down to earth, while the language of my lips ascended to God. See the notes at Psalms 86:12. In the assembly of the upright - With the righteous when they are gathered together for public…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 2
“Sought - Diligently meditated upon. Psalms 111:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“Pss 111–117 The refrain Praise the Lord! (Hebrew haleluyah) characterizes this group of psalms. Ps 111 This wisdom psalm contains many references to the works of the Lord that reveal his character. God is righteous, gracious, compassionate, faithful, just, trustworthy, upright, holy, and awe-inspiring (111:3, 4, 7, 8, 9). God’s character gives hope in the covenant relationship (111:5). He rescued Israel from Egypt (111:9), gave them the land (111:6), and provides for his people (111:5). However, God demands that the beneficiaries of this relationship also be people of righteousness and integrity. 111:1-5 The…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“am 3468, bc 536 Praise ye the Lord: Heb. Hallelujah, Psa 106:1, Psa 106:48; As this is an alphabetical Psalm, every member of each verse beginning consecutively with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Hallelujah, which begins with the fifth, must be considered as the title. I will: Psa 9:1, Psa 103:1, Psa 138:1 assembly: Psa 22:25, Psa 35:18, Psa 40:9, Psa 40:10, Psa 89:5, Psa 89:7, Psa 107:32, Psa 108:3, Psa 109:30, Psa 149:1; Ch1 29:10-20; Ch2 6:3, Ch2 6:4, Ch2 20:26-28 Psalms 111:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · on verse 1
“That which the poet purposes doing in Psa 111:1, he puts into execution from Psa 111:2 onwards. ועדה, according to Psa 64:7; Psa 118:14, is equivalent to ועדתם. According to Psa 111:10, הפציהם in Psa 111:2 apparently signifies those who find pleasure in them (the works of God); but חפצי = חפצי (like שׂמחי, Isa 24:7 = שׂמחי) is less natural than that it should be the construct form of the plural of חפץ, that occurs in three instances, and there was no need for saying that those who make the works of God the object of their research are such as interest themselves in them. We are led to the right meaning by…”
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