“Praise the Lord and Fear Him” Lesson 20: Psalms 111 & 112

Introduction to Psalm 111 Psalms 111 & 112 are companion Psalms Both Psalms are Hallelujah Psalms -- they both begin with “Hallelujah” or “Praise the Lord.” Both Psalms are also Alphabetic/Acrostic –Each clause begins with a consecutive letter of the 22 letter Hebrew alphabet.

Psalms 111 & 112 are companion Psalms. These two Psalms have complimentary themes: –Psalm 111 encourages praise to God for His righteous works while Psalm 112 pronounces blessings on the man who works righteousness. –Psalm 111 concludes with man fearing the Lord for His great works (111:9-10), and Psalm 112, picks up with the man who fears God delighting in keeping His commandments (112:1). These two Psalms bear the same relation to each other “as the moon does to the sun; for, while the first declares the glory of God, the second speaks of the divine brightness in men…” – Charles Spurgeon

Psalm 111:1 A call to praise God with the whole heart in the assembly of the upright. The Psalms often encourage praise to God –with the “whole heart” (Psalms 9:1, 138:1) –in the “assembly” (Psalms 35:18; 89:7; 107:32; 149:1).

Psalm 111:2-6 Man’s View of God’s Great Works God’s works are to be studied (2) God’s works are to be held in honor (3) God’s works are to be remembered (4a) Gods’ works show grace and compassion (4b) –Providing food (5a) –He keeps His covenant (5b) –He has powerfully provided for His people a place in the world (6)

Psalm 111:7-9 Characteristics of God’s Works God’s works are true, just and sure (7-8) God’s works result in redemption through His covenant (9) –Holy and Awesome is His name!

Psalm 111:10 Conclusion: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” This truth was also emphasized by Solomon (Proverbs 9:10; 1:7). –When we contemplate God’s works, we must stand in fear and awe of Him, and this is the starting place for living the life we should live.

Paralleling Psalms 111 & Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. 2The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them. 3His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. 2His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. 3Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.

Paralleling Psalms 111 & He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. 5.He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. 6.He has declared to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. 5A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion. 6Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.

Paralleling Psalms 111 & The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. 8They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. 9He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name 112 7He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 8His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies. 9He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor

Paralleling Psalms 111 & 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 wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish

Psalm 112:1 “Praise the Lord” We are motivated to praise the Lord as we reflect on the blessedness of the man who fears the Lord and delights in His commandments

Psalm 112:2-4 Blessings on the house of the righteous man His descendants will be mighty and blessed (2) Wealth & riches will be in his house (3) He will have light in darkness (4a)

Psalm 112:5-8 Quality of life of the blessed man He deals graciously and lends (5a) He guides his affairs with discretion (5b) He will not be shaken – he has stability (6) He does not fear evil because he trusts the Lord (7-8)

Psalm 112:9-10 Conclusion: Contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous man who cares about others will endure with strength and honor, but the wicked man who cares about only himself will be grieved and perish.