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Majestic Is His Work
Psalm 111 is a psalm of praise that calls for whole-hearted thanks to Yahweh and celebrates his works, righteousness, covenant and wisdom-giving fear of him (Psalms 111:1, Psalms 111:3, Psalms 111:9, Psalms 111:10).
Understanding the passage
Read these words in context
This psalm of praise speaks from within “the council of the upright” and “the congregation”. It reflects on Yahweh’s great works, his gracious and merciful character, his gift of food, his covenant, his sure precepts, and the redemption he has sent to his people (Psalms 111:1, Psalms 111:4, Psalms 111:5, Psalms 111:7, Psalms 111:9).
Psalms 111:1–10Main takeaway
Psalm 111 teaches that Yahweh’s works and precepts call for thankful praise, careful reflection and reverent fear that is named as the beginning of wisdom (Psalms 111:2, Psalms 111:7, Psalms 111:10).
Explore the poem and its images
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Whole-hearted public praiseThe psalm begins with “Praise Yah!” and a promise to give thanks to Yahweh “with my whole heart”.
Explanation
The psalm begins with “Praise Yah!” and a promise to give thanks to Yahweh “with my whole heart”. This praise is deeply personal, yet it is also spoken openly, “in the council of the upright” and “in the congregation”. The singer’s full-hearted thanks belongs in gathered worship as well as personal devotion.
02Great works and enduring righteousnessYahweh’s works are called “great”, and the psalm says people who delight in them ponder them.
Explanation
Yahweh’s works are called “great”, and the psalm says people who delight in them ponder them. That means his works invite thoughtful attention. His work is also described with “honor and majesty”, and his righteousness “endures forever”, showing lasting splendour joined to lasting rightness.
03Remembered mercy and covenant careYahweh has caused his wonderful works to be remembered, so his acts are not meant to be forgotten.
Explanation
Yahweh has caused his wonderful works to be remembered, so his acts are not meant to be forgotten. The psalm then says, “Yahweh is gracious and merciful.” It also says he gives food to those who fear him and always remembers his covenant. His remembered works and remembered covenant fit his merciful character.
04Power, truth and sure preceptsThe psalm says Yahweh showed his people the power of his works by giving them “the heritage of the nations”.
Explanation
The psalm says Yahweh showed his people the power of his works by giving them “the heritage of the nations”. Then it speaks not only of his works but also of his “precepts”. His works are marked by “truth and justice”, and his precepts are sure, established forever, in truth and uprightness.
05Redemption and wisdomYahweh “has sent redemption to his people” and “has ordained his covenant forever”. Because of this, his name is called “holy and awesome”.
Explanation
Yahweh “has sent redemption to his people” and “has ordained his covenant forever”. Because of this, his name is called “holy and awesome”. The psalm closes by saying, “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.” Reverence for him is linked with good understanding and with doing his work.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does this psalm connect with delighting in Yahweh’s works?
Verse 2 says those who delight in his works “ponder” them, so the psalm links delight with careful thought.
02How does the psalm describe Yahweh’s character?
Look for the words it uses directly, including righteous, gracious, merciful, holy and awesome.
03What does the ending say is the beginning of wisdom?
Read the exact words in verse 10, then notice that the same verse also says those who do his work have good understanding.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Psalms 111:1–10
1Praise Yah! I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
2Yahweh’s works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them.
3His work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever.
4He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
5He has given food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant.
6He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure.
8They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.
9He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awesome!
10The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!