Single lesson
Psalm 111: Majestic Is His Work
Psalms 111:1–10
Psalm 111 is a praise poem that begins with thanks to Yahweh and then gives reason after reason for that praise. In this lesson, children trace the speaker, the repeated words about Yahweh’s works, and the closing link to wisdom.
Before you teach
The psalm opens with one speaker saying, “I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart”, in “the council of the upright, and in the congregation”. It then describes Yahweh’s works, righteousness, wonderful works, covenant, power, precepts, redemption and holy name. The psalm closes by linking the fear of Yahweh with wisdom and ending again with praise.
Students will identify the speaker, describe at least three things Psalm 111 says about Yahweh, and explain how the psalm moves from thanks and praise to wisdom.
Welcome: Whole-heart thanks
5 minBegin by asking children what words they hear at the very start of the psalm. Read verse 1 aloud twice. Point out that the speaker says, “I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart”, and that this happens “in the council of the upright, and in the congregation”. Ask who is speaking and whom the thanks is for.
Psalms 111:1
Read and explain: Great works remembered
7 minRead verses 2 to 4. Help children spot repeated ideas about Yahweh’s works. They are called great, and people who delight in them ponder them. His work is described with “honor and majesty”, and his righteousness endures forever. The psalm also says he has caused his wonderful works to be remembered and calls Yahweh gracious and merciful.
Psalms 111:2, Psalms 111:3, Psalms 111:4
Discuss: Food, covenant and power
6 minRead verses 5 and 6. Ask the group what Yahweh gives and what he remembers. The psalm says he has given food to those who fear him and that he always remembers his covenant. It also says he has shown his people the power of his works in giving them the heritage of the nations.
Psalms 111:5, Psalms 111:6
Make and respond: Psalm 111 praise card
8 minRead the whole psalm again and invite children to make a simple illustrated card with words from the passage. They may choose phrases such as “whole heart”, “honor and majesty”, “truth and justice”, “holy and awesome”, or “sent redemption”. Encourage them to copy exact words from the psalm and draw one matching symbol or image that fits the wording.
Psalms 111:1, Psalms 111:3, Psalms 111:7, Psalms 111:9
Closing: Wisdom and enduring praise
4 minFinish with verse 10. Explain that the psalm ends by saying, “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.” Stay close to the verse by noticing that it links fearing Yahweh with wisdom and with “those who do his work”. Read the final line together, “His praise endures forever”.
Psalms 111:10
Questions to explore
In verse 1, who is speaking and where is the thanks being given?
Look for the words “I will give thanks” and notice that this happens “in the council of the upright, and in the congregation”.
Psalms 111:1
What words in verses 2 to 4 describe Yahweh’s works and character?
Listen for terms such as “great”, “honor and majesty”, “righteousness”, “gracious” and “merciful”.
Psalms 111:2, Psalms 111:3, Psalms 111:4
How does the psalm move in verse 10 from praise to wisdom?
Notice that after speaking about Yahweh’s works, precepts and covenant, the psalm says, “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom” and mentions “those who do his work”.
Psalms 111:7, Psalms 111:8, Psalms 111:9, Psalms 111:10
Make, think or respond
Psalm 111 Praise Card
What you’ll need
- paper or card
- pencils or markers
- Bible text
- coloured pencils
Try it together
- Read Psalm 111 together and let each child choose one exact phrase from the psalm.
- Write the chosen phrase in large letters on a folded piece of paper or card.
- Draw one picture or symbol that matches the words, such as a heart for “whole heart”, hands for “works”, or a simple symbol for “wisdom”.
- Share the card with the group and explain which verse it comes from.
- If time allows, place the cards side by side to see how many parts of the psalm the class has remembered.
This activity helps children respond to the psalm by using its own words to notice Yahweh’s works, character and wisdom.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, give two or three phrase choices from the psalm and let them copy just a few key words with a simple drawing.
- For older or stronger readers, ask them to sort the psalm into three parts: thanks and praise, reasons for praise, and wisdom.
An optional closing prayer
You might pray: “Yahweh, thank you for your great works, your truth and justice, and your wisdom. Help us give thanks with our whole hearts. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Psalms 111
1 Praise Yah! I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 Yahweh’s works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them.
3 His work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
5 He has given food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure.
8 They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awesome!
10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.