Bible Studies:What does Psalm chapter 111 mean?
Chapter Context
Psalms 111 and 112 are very similar. Both are acrostics: each line of the original begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Most of the lines in each are three Hebrew words long. Both use phrases and ideas seen elsewhere in Proverbs and Psalms. This psalm emphasizes praise for God's wonderful works in the past. The next, Psalm 112, focuses on the blessings which come from and to those who worship and revere the Lord.
What does Psalm chapter 111 mean?
This song is composed of twenty-three lines, most of which are three Hebrew words long. The entire psalm is written in an "acrostic" pattern, meaning the first letters of the first word in each line have some type of significance when taken together. In this case, the first letter in each line follows Hebrew alphabetical order. Psalm 112 features very similar styling and a closely related theme.
The psalmist begins with a promise to praise God, publicly, because of the amazing things the Lord has done. Creation demonstrates His power (Psalm 19:1). So do the miracles which He has performed on behalf of His people. He exhibits mercy (Psalm 136:2). When the Lord makes a promise, He keeps it (Hebrews 6:17), caring for those with whom He has a covenant (Malachi 3:6; Deuteronomy 4:31). That included physical needs such as food (Deuteronomy 8:16). But it also extends to God providing (1 John 2:25) a means of salvation (Psalm 111:1–9).
Only those who start with a proper respect for God as our Lord and Creator can grow in truthful wisdom. The final statement of this psalm echoes this principle, seen several times in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 15:33). This "fear" is not terror or panic, but is not merely respect. Rather, it implies a humble, reverent submission to His role as the Sovereign God (Psalm 111:10).
