Psalm 111
Praise is the one theme of this enrapturing Psalm.
Various motives call to this homage. May they all excite response in our
adoring hearts!
1. "Praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my
whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation."
Praise is the tribute which never can be fully paid.
Beginning in time, it will swell throughout eternity. Not only should our
lips rejoice in this grace; we should exhort others to the godly exercise.
Precept should enforce the duty; example should mark out the path. This
praise should issue from hearts overflowing with grateful love. Shame on all
meager utterance and all cold expression! The whole heart, with every
affection, should be rapturously engaged. We should thus testify our love,
not only in seasons of retirement, but publicly in the assemblies of the
sanctuary.
2-4. "The works of the Lord are great, sought out by
all those who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious; and
His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonderful works to be
remembered; the Lord is gracious, and full of compassion."
Calls to praise exceed all number. The works of His hands
ever supply matter. They are a treasure-house of wonders. They are worthy of
our constant study. The more we discover, the more we shall find fullness of
delight. As our pleasure expands, the more praise should blaze as a flaming
torch. His works, also, are all worthy of Himself. They reflect the glory of
His righteousness. This feature is indelibly stamped on all. As time rolls
on these works endure. The remembrance of them has immortal life. From
generation to generation they declare His essence, and testify that grace
and tenderness ever flow from His throne.
5-6. "He has given food to those who fear Him; He will
ever be mindful of His covenant. He has shown His people the power of His
works, that He may give them the heritage of the heathen."
Ample provision satisfies the needs of His people. Tender
care watches over them. In all this marvelous arrangement, these gracious
dealings proclaim Him as our faithful Father. The everlasting covenant in
Christ secures unfailing blessings. This covenant never can be broken.
Therefore the stream of blessings never can be stopped. Special wonders were
exhibited to His chosen people of old. The heathen were driven out, that His
people might occupy the promised inheritance.
7-8. "The works of His hands are verity and judgment;
all His commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are
done in truth and uprightness."
The works of the Lord are echoes to the glories of His
word. They are the accomplishment of His sure promises. They are bright
mirrors in which we may read His verity and judgment. No power of opposing
foes can contravene His decrees. While we read His truth in all the wonders
of His hand, let us abound more in grateful thanksgiving.
9-10. "He has sent redemption to His people; He has
commanded His covenant forever; holy and reverend is His name. 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 bright crown of His works is the redemption of His
people. This is the substance of His everlasting covenant. It is our wisdom
to regard with awe the marvels of His dealings. Let us fear and love. Let us
love and praise.