Psalms 111
Psalms 111 is part of “Book V: The Deuteronomy Book” (107–150) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 111 summary
This and divers of the psalms that follow it seem to have been penned by David for the service of the church in their solemn feasts, and not upon any particular occasion. This is a psalm of praise. The title of it is "Hallelujah - Praise you the Lord," intimating that we must address ourselves to the use of this psalm with hearts disposed to praise God. It is composed alphabetically, each sentence beginning with a several letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order exactly, two sentences to each verse, and three a piece to the last two.
Read the full introduction
This and divers of the psalms that follow it seem to have been penned by David for the service of the church in their solemn feasts, and not upon any particular occasion. This is a psalm of praise. The title of it is "Hallelujah - Praise you the Lord," intimating that we must address ourselves to the use of this psalm with hearts disposed to praise God. It is composed alphabetically, each sentence beginning with a several letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order exactly, two sentences to each verse, and three a piece to the last two. The psalmist, exhorting to praise God, I. Sets himself for an example (Psa 111:1). II. Furnishes us with matter for praise from the works of God. 1. The greatness of his works and the glory of them. 2. The righteousness of them. 3. The goodness of them. 4. The power of them. 5. The conformity of them to his word of promise. 6. The perpetuity of them. These observations are intermixed (Psa 111:2-9). III. He recommends the holy fear of God, and conscientious obedience to his commands, as the most acceptable way of praising God (Psa 111:10).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 111 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Great Are the Works of the Lord
1Praise ye the Lord. I will prayse the Lord with my whole heart in the assemblie and Congregation of the iust. 2The workes of the Lord are great, and ought to be sought out of al them that loue them. 3His worke is beautifull and glorious, and his righteousnesse endureth for euer. 4He hath made his wonderfull workes to be had in remembrance: the Lord is mercifull and full of compassion. 5He hath giuen a portion vnto them that feare him: he wil euer be mindfull of his couenant. 6He hath shewed to his people the power of his workes in giuing vnto them the heritage of the heathen. 7The workes of his handes are trueth and iudgement: all his statutes are true. 8They are stablished for euer and euer, and are done in trueth and equitie. 9He sent redemption vnto his people: he hath commanded his couenant for euer: holy and fearefull is his Name. 10The beginning of wisedome is the feare of the Lord: all they that obserue them, haue good vnderstanding: his praise endureth for euer.