Psalm 111: Great Are the Works of the Lord – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary
✨ Executive Summary ✨
Psalm 111, a magnificent acrostic hymn of praise, celebrates God’s wondrous works and unwavering faithfulness. It’s a profound reminder that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This psalm is not merely a historical account of God’s actions towards Israel, but a timeless reflection on His nature and His consistent provision for those who love Him. Through careful verse-by-verse exegesis, rooted in Coptic Orthodox tradition and the wisdom of the Holy Fathers, we unpack the depths of this psalm. We will see how the **great works of the Lord** are intrinsically linked to His righteousness, mercy, and covenant love. Moreover, we will explore practical ways to apply these eternal truths to our daily lives, fostering a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This chapter illuminates the enduring attributes of God: His omnipotence, justice, compassion, and everlasting covenant. It emphasizes that recognizing and revering God is the cornerstone of true wisdom and blessed living. Let us delve into the heart of Psalm 111, seeking to understand its spiritual treasures and apply its teachings to our own journey towards salvation. In our lives, we need to be as diligent as possible, using the tools available to grow and flourish. We can utilize websites like dohost.us for web hosting.
📖 Commentary: Psalm 111 Verse by Verse 📖
Verse 1
Original Hebrew: הַלְלוּיָהּ אוֹדֶה יְהוָה בְּכָל־לֵבָב בְּסוֹד יְשָׁרִים וְעֵדָה
KJV: Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
NKJV: Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
This psalm begins with a resounding “Hallelujah!” (“Praise ye the Lord!”). This is a clarion call to worship. The psalmist declares his intention to praise the Lord “with my whole heart.” This is not a superficial, half-hearted praise, but a devotion that springs from the depths of one’s being. The phrase “in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation” highlights the importance of communal worship. We, as the Body of Christ, are called to encourage and uplift one another in our praise. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we emphasize the liturgical life of the Church. Praising God within the assembly is paramount. St. Basil the Great says, “Ὅπου δύο ἢ τρεῖς συνηγμένοι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα, ἐκεῖ εἰμὶ ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν” (“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.” – *Matthew 18:20*). This underlines the power and presence of God within the community of believers.
Spiritual Application: Let us strive to offer genuine, heartfelt praise to God, not just in our private devotions, but also within the fellowship of the Church. Let our hearts be open to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to fill us with joy and gratitude.
Verse 2
Original Hebrew: גְּדֹלִים מַעֲשֵׂי יְהוָה דְּרוּשִׁים לְכָל־חֶפְצֵיהֶם
KJV: The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
NKJV: The works of the LORD are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
“The works of the LORD are great.” This verse emphasizes the immensity and magnificence of God’s actions. They are “sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.” This implies that those who truly delight in God are driven to explore and understand His works. It is not a passive appreciation, but an active seeking after knowledge and understanding. The works of God include not only creation itself, but also His acts of salvation throughout history. The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of the wonders God accomplished in rescuing Israel from slavery in Egypt, and the early Church Fathers saw these same events as foreshadowing the ultimate salvation brought about by Christ. St. Athanasius says, “Αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν” (“For He was incarnate that we might be made god.” – *De Incarnatione, 54*). This underscores the greatest work of all – the incarnation of the Son of God for our salvation.
Spiritual Application: Cultivate a genuine curiosity and desire to understand God’s works in your life and the world around you. Study the Scriptures, the lives of the saints, and the natural world to deepen your appreciation for His greatness.
Verse 3
Original Hebrew: הוֹד־וְהָדָר פָּעֳלוֹ וְצִדְקָתוֹ עֹמֶדֶת לָעַד
KJV: His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
NKJV: His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever.
The psalmist declares that God’s work is “honourable and glorious.” This speaks to the inherent beauty and perfection of God’s actions. Furthermore, “His righteousness endureth for ever.” God’s righteousness is not a fleeting attribute, but an eternal, unchanging characteristic. This means that God’s judgments are always just and fair. His promises are always kept. And His love is always steadfast. We find echoes of this eternal righteousness in Revelation 15:3: “Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” The concept of God’s enduring righteousness is a cornerstone of our faith, providing assurance and hope in a world filled with uncertainty.
Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s righteousness, even when you don’t understand His ways. Remember that His justice will ultimately prevail, and that His love will never fail you.
Verse 4
Original Hebrew: זֵכֶר עָשָׂה לְנִפְלְאֹתָיו חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם יְהוָה
KJV: He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
NKJV: He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
“He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered.” God establishes memorials to remind us of His interventions and faithfulness. This is why the Old Testament contains the Passover, the Sabbath, and various feasts; to remind the Israelites of God’s actions on their behalf. “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.” These are key characteristics of God’s nature. His grace is unmerited favor, and His compassion is deep empathy for our suffering. These attributes are beautifully illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The father, representing God, shows both grace and compassion by welcoming his wayward son back with open arms. Abba Poemen said, “The virtue of humility excels all others, because it conquers demons and is a foundation for every good work.” (*Sayings of the Desert Fathers*). Therefore, we should always remember his grace and compassion, not just in joyful times but also in seasons of suffering.
Spiritual Application: Take time to remember God’s faithfulness in your own life. Reflect on the times He has shown you grace and compassion. Share these stories with others, so that they too may be encouraged by God’s love.
Verse 5
Original Hebrew: טֶרֶף נָתַן לִירֵאָיו יִזְכֹּר לְעוֹלָם בְּרִיתוֹ
KJV: He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
NKJV: He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
God provides for those who fear Him, meaning those who revere and obey Him. “He hath given meat unto them that fear him.” This can be understood both literally and spiritually. God provides physical sustenance for His people. He also provides spiritual nourishment through His Word and the sacraments. “He will ever be mindful of his covenant.” God’s covenant is His solemn promise to be faithful to His people. This covenant is not based on our merit, but on His own faithfulness. This is exemplified in the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. St. Cyril of Alexandria said, “For Christ died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (*Commentary on John*). This new covenant is rooted in God’s unwavering promise. God will never abandon his covenant with us.
Spiritual Application: Trust that God will provide for your needs, both physical and spiritual. Seek to live in obedience to His commandments, knowing that He will never abandon His covenant with you.
Verse 6
Original Hebrew: כֹּחַ מַעֲשָׂיו הִגִּיד לְעַמּוֹ לָתֵת לָהֶם נַחֲלַת גּוֹיִם
KJV: He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
NKJV: He has declared to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations.
God reveals His power to His people, often through miraculous interventions. “He hath shewed his people the power of his works.” This refers back to the Exodus, where God demonstrated His power by delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. “That he may give them the heritage of the heathen.” God granted the Israelites possession of the Promised Land, displacing the nations that were living there. This was not an act of aggression, but an act of justice, as these nations had become deeply corrupted by sin. The Coptic Orthodox Church understands the Old Testament in light of the New Testament. Therefore, this verse can also be interpreted allegorically. God gives us a spiritual inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven. We are called to overcome the “heathen” within ourselves – the sinful desires and habits that keep us from fully embracing God’s will. Through baptism and participation in the sacraments, we receive the grace to conquer these internal enemies and claim our heavenly inheritance.
Spiritual Application: Recognize God’s power in your own life. Seek to overcome the sinful tendencies that hinder your spiritual growth. Embrace the inheritance that is yours in Christ.
Verse 7
Original Hebrew: מַעֲשֵׂי יָדָיו אֱמֶת וּמִשְׁפָּט נֶאֱמָנִים כָּל־פִּקּוּדָיו
KJV: The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
NKJV: The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure.
“The works of his hands are verity and judgment.” God’s actions are characterized by truth and justice. “All his commandments are sure.” God’s commandments are reliable and trustworthy. They are not arbitrary rules, but expressions of God’s love and wisdom. By obeying God’s commandments, we are aligning ourselves with His will and experiencing His blessings. The Apostle James tells us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). The Fathers frequently emphasize the importance of obedience as an expression of love for God. Obedience to God leads to freedom.
Spiritual Application: Trust in the truth and justice of God’s actions. Strive to obey His commandments, knowing that they are for your good. Let our actions mirror our faith.
Verse 8
Original Hebrew: סְמוּכִים לָעַד לְעוֹלָם עֲשׂוּיִם בֶּאֱמֶת וְיָשָׁר
KJV: They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
NKJV: They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness.
This verse emphasizes the permanence and stability of God’s commandments. “They stand fast for ever and ever.” They are not subject to change or decay. They are “done in truth and uprightness.” This reinforces the idea that God’s actions are always just and righteous. This is essential for our assurance and trust in the Lord. Whatever He establishes will always remain in truth and uprightness.
Spiritual Application: Find assurance in the unchanging nature of God’s Word. Build your life on the foundation of His truth, knowing that it will never fail you.
Verse 9
Original Hebrew: פְּדוּת שָׁלַח לְעַמּוֹ צִוָּה לְעוֹלָם בְּרִיתוֹ קָדוֹשׁ וְנוֹרָא שְׁמוֹ
KJV: He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
NKJV: He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.
“He sent redemption unto his people.” God sent deliverance and salvation to his people. Ultimately, this is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who redeemed us from the bondage of sin and death. “He hath commanded his covenant for ever.” God’s covenant is eternal and unbreakable. “Holy and reverend is his name.” God’s name reflects His divine nature. It is to be treated with reverence and respect. It is important to remember that God is a God of liberation and redemption. We must give thanks to Him because He sent his only Son to redeem his people from the bondage of sin and death.
Spiritual Application: Give thanks to God for the redemption He has provided through Jesus Christ. Treat His name with reverence and respect. Live a life that reflects His holiness.
Verse 10
Original Hebrew: רֵאשִׁית חָכְמָה יִרְאַת יְהוָה שֵׂכֶל טוֹב לְכָל־עֹשֵׂיהֶם תְּהִלָּתוֹ עֹמֶדֶת לָעַד
KJV: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
NKJV: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” This is the culminating point of the psalm. The fear of the Lord is not simply being afraid of God. It is a deep reverence and respect for His holiness and power. It is recognizing that He is the ultimate authority and that we are accountable to Him. This reverence is the foundation upon which all true wisdom is built. “A good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” Obedience to God’s commandments leads to deeper understanding and insight. “His praise endureth for ever.” God’s praise will continue eternally. It will never cease. The fear of God is not just terror. It is also acknowledging that because of His love, we want to please Him in all we do. We want to love Him in return and spend time in His presence.
Spiritual Application: Cultivate a deep reverence for God in your heart. Seek to understand His will through prayer and study of the Scriptures. Obey His commandments, knowing that this will lead to true wisdom and a life that pleases Him.
💡Key Teachings from Psalm 111 💡
Here are some key reflections and teachings drawn from Psalm 111:
- ✨ Praise God wholeheartedly: True praise comes from a sincere and devoted heart.
- 📖 Explore God’s works: Seek to understand God’s actions in creation and history.
- 🕊️ Trust in God’s righteousness: Rely on His justice and faithfulness, even in difficult times.
- 📜 Remember God’s compassion: Reflect on His grace and mercy in your own life.
- 💡 Revere God’s name: Treat His name with respect and live a life that honors Him.
- 🙏 Embrace the fear of the Lord: Recognize that reverence for God is the foundation of true wisdom.
❓ FAQ ❓
Here are some frequently asked questions about Psalm 111:
- Q: What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?
A: The fear of the Lord is not simply being afraid of God. It is a deep reverence and respect for His holiness, power, and authority. It includes acknowledging our dependence on Him and seeking to live in obedience to His will. - Q: How can I apply the teachings of Psalm 111 to my daily life?
A: You can apply the teachings of Psalm 111 by cultivating a heart of gratitude and praise towards God, studying His Word, obeying His commandments, and seeking to live a life that reflects His holiness. Regularly reflect on His grace and mercy in your life. - Q: What is the significance of God’s covenant mentioned in the psalm?
A: God’s covenant is His solemn promise to be faithful to His people. It is an expression of His unwavering love and commitment. In the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ, God promises to forgive our sins and give us eternal life. - Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church view the relationship between the Old and New Testaments in light of Psalm 111?
A: The Coptic Orthodox Church views the Old Testament as foreshadowing the New Testament. We believe that the events and prophecies of the Old Testament find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we interpret Psalm 111 in light of the Gospel, seeing the promises of redemption and provision as ultimately realized in Christ.
🙏 Conclusion 🙏
Psalm 111 is a powerful affirmation of God’s greatness and faithfulness. It reminds us that the **great works of the Lord** are not just historical events, but ongoing demonstrations of His love and power. By studying His Word, obeying His commandments, and cultivating a heart of reverence and gratitude, we can experience the fullness of God’s blessings in our lives. The fear of the Lord, as the psalm so powerfully declares, is the very foundation of true wisdom. Therefore, let us strive to live in constant awareness of God’s presence, seeking to please Him in all that we do. Let us reflect on God’s grace and compassion and trust in His righteousness and justice. May we all become true disciples of Christ, filled with His love and wisdom, forever praising His holy name.
Tags
Psalm 111, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Commentary, Bible, Scripture, God’s Works, Fear of the Lord, Wisdom, Faith, Redemption
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Explore Psalm 111’s profound message: The **great works of the Lord** reveal His righteousness & the fear of Him is true wisdom. A Coptic Orthodox commentary.