Psalm 111 Bible Commentary

John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes

(Read all of Psalm 111)

Verse 2

[2] The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Sought — Diligently meditated upon.

Verse 3

[3] His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Work — Either all his works, or that eminent branch of those works, his providence towards his people.

Righteousness — His justice or faithfulness in performing his word.

Verse 4

[4] He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

Remembered — By their own nature, and the lasting benefits flowing from them, which are such as cannot easily be forgotten.

Verse 5

[5] He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

Meat — All necessary provisions for their being and well-being.

Verse 7

[7] The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

The works — All that he doth on the behalf of his people, or against their enemies.

Truth — Are exactly agreeable to his promises, and to justice.

Commandments — His laws given to the Israelites, especially the moral law.

Sure — Constant and unchangeable.

Verse 8

[8] They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

Done — Constituted or ordered.

Verse 9

[9] He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

Redemption — The deliverance out of Egypt, which was a type of that higher redemption by Christ.

Commanded — Appointed, or established firmly by his power and authority.

For ever — Through all successive generations of his people to the end of the world.

Reverend — Terrible to his enemies, venerable in his peoples eyes, and holy in all his dealings with all men.

Verse 10

[10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

The fear — True religion.

Beginning — Is the only foundation of, and introduction to, true wisdom.