The Book of Psalms
Psalm 111
Psalm CXI · Vol. II, p. 1060
1 The psalmist by his example inciteth others to praise God for his glorious and gracious works. 10 The fear of God is the source of true wisdom.
1 Praise ye the LORD.1 Ia will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
4 Heg hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: hthe LORD is gracious, and full of compassion.
g Ps.145.4-7. Re.15.3,4. Is.63.7.
h Ex.34.6,7. Ps.86.5,15. Ho.11.8. Mi.7.18,19.
5 Hei hath given meat2 unto them that fear him: he jwill ever be mindful of his covenant.
i Ps.34.9,10; 23.1. Is.33.17; 62.8,9. Mat.6.11,26-33.
2 Heb. prey.
6 Hek hath showed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
8 They 3stand fast4 for ever and ever, and are done oin truth and uprightness.
3 Heb. are stablished.
4 Stand fast—are supported, sustained.—C.
o Ps.25.8. De.32.4. Mi.7.20. La.3.22,23.
9 Hep sent redemption5 unto his people; qhe hath commanded his covenant for ever: rholy and reverend is his name.
p Ex.vii.-xiv. Is.63.7-13. Ps.130.7,8; 25.22.
5 Deliverance from Egypt; the emblem and foretaste of Christ's redemption from the slavery of sin.—C.
q 1 Ch.16.15. Ps.42.8.
r Ex.15.11. Ps.99.1,5; 89.7. De.28.58. Re.15.3,4. Je.10.6,7.
10 Thes fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: ta good understanding6 have all they that do his commandments:7 his upraise endureth for ever.8
s Job 28.28. Pr.1.7; 9.10. Mat.6.33. Lu.10.42. Ps.130.4. Ec.12.13.
t De.4.6. 2 Ti.3.15-17.
6 Or, good success, Pr.3.4.
7 Heb. that do them.
8 Filial fear is the source of love, reverence, and obedience. It inspires respect for God in his paternal character, for his will as revealed in Scripture, for his government in the church and in the world.—P.
Notes
Ver. 1. On comparing this ver. with Ps. 18. 49, explained by Ro. 15. 9, there can be no question that both are the words of Christ. But were this proof wanting, the confident dedication of the whole heart, would prove the speaker to be either an ignorant self-deceiver (see Je. 17. 9), or Christ, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. C.
Reflections.—Praising of God ought to be hearty, candid, and avowed: and they who inculcate it upon others should carefully exemplify it in their own practice. How extensive are the grounds of it! A God infinitely gracious and faithful, ever mindful of his new relation, and every promise thereof; holy and reverend in nature and in name. His works are unsearchably glorious, memorable, powerful, just, and true; and all of them communicating provision and riches to them that fear him. Fixed, everlasting, true, and candid are all his counsels and words, exactly conformable to his righteous nature, and must be obeyed in simplicity by them that serve him. Everlasting, ordered in all things and sure, is his word, and all the redemption it offers and communicates to men. And they are the only wise persons who fear him and keep his commandments; everlasting shall be their honour and reward.