Psalms 111
Big idea: An acrostic in ten verses — twenty-two lines, one per Hebrew letter — and every line is about what God does. Works, deeds, precepts, covenant, redemption. The verb in verse 4 is worth pausing on: he has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. He did not merely act; he arranged for the acting to be recalled, which is what festivals and psalms are for. And its last line is the sentence Proverbs opens with: the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.
Psalm 111 is an acrostic about God. Psalm 112 is its twin, the same form, about the person who fears him.
111:1–10 — He has caused his works to be remembered
An acrostic — twenty-two lines, one per Hebrew letter — and the discipline shows: every line is compact and the psalm never digresses. Its subject is God's works and the deliberate act of keeping them in view. Verse 4 is the key one: he CAUSED his works to be remembered, which means the festivals and the retellings are his provision, not our diligence.
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!
Scripture text: World English Bible (public domain).