The author of Psalm 111 in not known; however, the author shares with us that all God does is good and that reverence to God is the beginning of wisdom.
Psalms 111-118 are called hallelujah psalms. Hallelujah means "praise the LORD" and expresses the uplifting and optimistic tone of these songs.
Psalm 111:9 - "He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever - holy and awesome in his name"
The redemption here pictures the rescue by God of the Israelites from Egypt and the future return from captivity in Babylon. Redemption means recovery of something or someone upon payment of a ransom. All people were being held in slavery by sin, and Jesus paid the price to free us - giving his life as a perfect sacrifice. Before Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for sin, people were not permitted into God's presence (the Most Holy Place); now, all believers can freely approach God's throne through prayer and have God in their lives through the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise"
The only way to become truly wise is to fear (revere) God. This same thought is expressed in Proverbs 1:7-9. Too often people want to skip this step, thinking they can become wise by life experience and academic knowledge alone. But if we do not acknowledge God as the source of wisdom, then our foundation for making wise decisions is shaky, and we are prone to mistakes and poor choices.
Psalm 111 / New International Version
ReplyDelete1 Praise the Lord.
I will extol the Lord with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are steadfast for ever and ever,
enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.