Psalms 111, 112, 113
Psalms111 and 112 are acrostic psalms, the initial leer in each half-verse following the Hebrew alphabet. Psalms 25, 37 (with double verses), 119 (in periods of 8 verses, each of which begins with the same Hebrew letter), and 145 (verse 14 being an exception) are also alphabetical psalms.
Psalms 111, 112, and 113 go together in one theme of praise to Jehovah. The first of the three speaks of His works; the exhibitions of His power will be much spoken of by redeemed Israel, because by power He will bring them into undisturbed possession of their land at last. There is a marked difference between the earthly saints and the heavenly ones; of the former we have the Lord’s testimony to Thomas (John 20:2929Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:29)),
“Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed,” and to the nobleman (John 4:4848Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. (John 4:48)), “Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not believe.”
See also 1 Corinthians 1:22-24; 2:9, 10,22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:22‑24)
9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9‑10) and 1 Peter 1:88Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8) which give the character of the Christian’s faith in contrast with Israel’s unrealized hopes.
We cannot rightly consider God’s works without thinking of Him, and this comes out in verses 4 and 5, 7, 8 and 9 of Psalm 111. To fear Him we are told is the beginning of wisdom; to live according to His Word is (more than the beginning of wisdom) to have a good understanding. Similarly, the word in 2 Peter 3:1818But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18) is “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” showing that we who know Him should be advancing in the truth. Let us seek this worthwhile gain.
Psalm 112 shows the result of such a life of godliness; he who fears Jehovah and delights greatly in His commandments, is blessed. The blessings spoken of are earthly and connected with the millennial reign of Christ, but there is a spiritual lesson here for the Christian.
Psalm 113 returns to the praise of Jehovah “from this time forth and for evermore.” Verses 3 and 4 would make it plain that the blessing is world-wide, and not limited to the land of Palestine. There is none like Him, who, having placed His dwelling on high, humbles Himself to look on the heavens and on the earth. The poor and the needy are those whom He has blessed, lifting them from the lowest place to an exalted one, and the barren woman is made to keep house as a joyful mother of children.
All blessing is seen to be from God, and this we well know is true of the Christian, equally as it shall be true of the Israelites in the time of which the psalms treat. God delights to bless His people.
ML 10/11/1931