Psalms 111

The Prophet exhorteth all men by his example to praise God, rehearsing the gloriousness of his works, and exhorting every one to the practice of Piety.

1. Halelu-Jah Aleph. [Touching the Hebrew Alphabeth, see Psalm 25. The Annotation there upon the Title of that Psalm] I will praise the LORD with (my) whole heart. Beth.in the Councel, [Hebr. In the hidden, that is, in the Counsel or Assembly, where discourse and communication is had of divers matters, or of the hidden things and mysteries of the LORD.] of the upright (ones.)

2. Gimel, The Works of the LORD are great: Daleth they are sought: [The Hebrew word signifies to have care of, to search, seek after, enquire after, or search into] of all that delight therein. [Others, because of all their pleasantnesses of Gods works are such, as are well worth the searching and enquiring after.]

3. He, His doing, [i.e. whatsoever he doth] is Majesty and glory: [i.e. full of Majestic and glory] Vau, and his righteousness abideth in Eternity.

4. Zain. He hath made a memorial for his wonders: Cheth the LORD is gracious and merciful.

5. Teth. He hath given meat to them that fear him: [i.e. nourishment, as Prov.31.15. Mal.3.10. It should seem, the Psalmist hath an eye to the heavenly bread, which God gave unto his people in the Wilderness, Exod.16.35.] Jod. He remembers his Covenant, [which he made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob] in eternity.

6. Cath. He hath made known the power of his works unto his people: :Lamed. Giving then the inheritance of the Heathen. [i.e. the land of Canaan, which was formerly possessed by the Amorites, and other Heathen Nations.]

7. The works of his hands are Truth and judgement: [i.e. they are full of Truth and right, yea, Truth and Right it self.] Nun. All his Commands, [i.e. his promises] are faithful.

8. Samech. They are underpropped [or, established, firmly set, or firmly underlaid, being grounded upon his Truth and righteousness] forever, (and) in eternity: Ain. Being done i Truth and uprighteousness.

9. Pe. He hath sent Redemption unto his people: Tsade. He hath commanded [i.e. ordained] his Covenant in Eternity: [i.e. that it shall remain firm and stedfast forever] Koph. His Name is Holy and Fearful.

10. Resh. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom: [Ort the head-piece, i.e. the chief or principal part or foundation, whether in regard of time or worth. His meaning is, that he which hath a mind to get true wisdom, must first, and above all things fear God.] Schin. All that do (or practice) them, [viz. The Law, or commands, spoken of v.7. or, them, that is to say, these things] have good understanding: Thau. His praise, [viz. Gods, spoken of in the foregoing verses, or of every one of them, that do or perform his Commandements] abideth in Eternity.