Psalms 111

Chapter Summary

Psalms 111 is an acrostic poem, where each line starts with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The chapter begins with a call to praise God for His works, which are great, mighty, and done in truth and uprightness (Psalms 111:2-3). The psalmist then reflects on God's provision for His people, including the gift of food and the promise of an eternal covenant (Psalms 111:4-5). The chapter concludes with a statement about the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom and a description of the blessedness of those who fear Him (Psalms 111:9-10). Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of remembering and declaring God's great works, and encourages the community of believers to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 111 is part of the fifth book of the Psalter, which includes Psalms 107-150. This book is characterized by a focus on God's sovereignty, providence, and redemption, and includes psalms that express praise, thanksgiving, and trust in God's goodness. The chapter is likely a post-exilic psalm, written during a time when the Jewish community was reflecting on God's works and covenant faithfulness in the face of adversity and hardship.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Psalms 111, we are encouraged to cultivate a deep sense of reverence and gratitude for God's works. By studying and delighting in God's works, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of His character and nature, and trust in His goodness and sovereignty. May we be inspired to praise and thank God for His great works, and to declare His glory to the nations.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 111 is a chapter that encourages believers to praise and thank God for His great works. The psalmist reflects on God's mighty deeds and emphasizes the importance of remembering and declaring His works. By studying and delighting in God's works, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of His character and nature, and trust in His goodness and sovereignty. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude and reverence in our relationship with God, and we are encouraged to cultivate a deep sense of awe and wonder at His greatness.

Voices from the Church

“The works of the Lord are great, and they are to be studied by all who delight in them. The more we study them, the more we shall delight in them, and the more we shall see of the greatness of God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and it is a fear that is not servile, but filial. It is a fear that arises from a deep reverence and respect for God's character and nature.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to God's Works (Psalms 111:1-3) — The psalmist calls believers to praise God for His works, which are great, mighty, and done in truth and uprightness.
2. God's Provision and Covenant (Psalms 111:4-5) — The psalmist reflects on God's provision for His people, including the gift of food and the promise of an eternal covenant.
3. The Fear of the Lord (Psalms 111:9-10) — The psalmist states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and describes the blessedness of those who fear Him.
4. Conclusion and Benediction (Psalms 111:10) — The chapter concludes with a statement about the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom, and a benediction that encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
5. The Importance of Remembering God's Works — Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of remembering and declaring God's great works, which is essential for trust, obedience, and worship.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

Psalms 111 emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, and encourages believers to trust in His goodness and wisdom.

The Providence of God

The chapter highlights God's provision for His people, including the gift of food and the promise of an eternal covenant.

The Fear of the Lord

The psalmist states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and describes the blessedness of those who fear Him.

The Importance of Gratitude

The chapter encourages believers to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for God's works, and to declare His glory to the nations.

Lessons from Psalms 111

1. The Importance of Gratitude — The chapter encourages believers to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for God's works, and to declare His glory to the nations.
2. The Sovereignty of God — Psalms 111 emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, and encourages believers to trust in His goodness and wisdom.
3. The Fear of the Lord — The psalmist states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and describes the blessedness of those who fear Him.
4. The Importance of Remembering God's Works — Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of remembering and declaring God's great works, which is essential for trust, obedience, and worship.
5. The Provision of God — The chapter highlights God's provision for His people, including the gift of food and the promise of an eternal covenant.

Themes from Psalms 111

1. Praise and Thanksgiving — The chapter encourages believers to praise and thank God for His great works, and to declare His glory to the nations.
2. The Sovereignty of God — Psalms 111 emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, and encourages believers to trust in His goodness and wisdom.
3. The Fear of the Lord — The psalmist states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and describes the blessedness of those who fear Him.
4. The Importance of Gratitude — The chapter encourages believers to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for God's works, and to declare His glory to the nations.
5. The Provision of God — The chapter highlights God's provision for His people, including the gift of food and the promise of an eternal covenant.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some of the great works of God that you are thankful for, and how can you declare His glory to the nations?
2. How does the fear of the Lord relate to wisdom, and what are some ways that you can cultivate a deeper fear of God in your life?
3. What are some ways that God has provided for you, and how can you trust in His goodness and sovereignty in the face of adversity and hardship?
4. How can you study and delight in God's works, and what are some ways that you can deepen your understanding and appreciation of His character and nature?
5. What are some ways that you can declare God's glory to the nations, and how can you be a witness for Him in your daily life?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 111

	Sermon	Description
	Continue in Sin by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing hidden sins and lust in the hearts and minds of believers. He explains that God considers these hidden sins to
	The Right Use of the Law by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being challenged by professors in college who tried to brainwash him against the Bible. Despite their efforts, he deci
	Five Rules for Christian Living - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a holy fear and reverence for God. He explains that this kind of fear cannot be induced by external factors like fa
	Genuine or Fake by Chuck Smith	This sermon focuses on the importance of wholehearted commitment to God, drawing parallels between the half-hearted worship of Judah in the Old Testament and the lukewarm attitudes
	The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 4 by W.F. Kumuyi	This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God's message throughout one's ministry, focusing on the themes of holiness, sanctification, and the transformation of
	The Fear of God - Part 2 by Jerry Bridges	In this sermon, the preacher begins by telling a parable about a young man in basic training who is in awe of his commanding general. The preacher then explains that he is laying t
	The Wonderful Works of God by William Fitch	In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the works of the Lord as described in the book of Psalms. The speaker emphasizes God's greatness, honor, and compassion towards his
	Leonard Ravenhill 85yrs Old Rebukes Pastors!! by Compilations	This sermon emphasizes the seriousness of reverence for God and the importance of being attentive and respectful in His presence. It calls for a deep reflection on one's attitude t
	Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 1 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker marvels at the intricate design of the human body and the wonders of God's creation. He expresses gratitude for the gift of eyesight and emphasizes the
	(Covenant Series) 1. David and Jonathan by Al Whittinghill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and Jonathan from 1 Samuel 18. The background is that David, a shepherd boy, has just slain Goliath, the enemy of God. Davi

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 111

In his commentary on Psalms 111, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of praising and thanking God for His great works. He notes that the psalmist encourages believers to study and delight in God's works, which will lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of His character and nature. Henry also highlights the significance of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom and involves a deep reverence and respect for God's character and nature. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, and encourages believers to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for God's works. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?