Psalm 111

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” (Psalm 111:2)

Psalm 111 forms a unique blend of Israel’s historical traditions (vv. 4–7a, 9a), legal traditions (vv. 7–8, 9b), and wisdom traditions (v. 10). Throughout this psalm God and his people are referred to in the third person. In verse 1, and in this verse alone, a speaking “I” addresses the council of the upright and the assembly. But is this a liturgist addressing a congregation or a teacher addressing the school of the wise? The parallel phrase, “the assembly of the righteous,” appears in Psalm 1:5, a psalm reflecting the wisdom tradition. Wisdom influence may also be suggested by the “motto” of Proverbs in verse 10 (“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,” Prov. 9:10; 1:7), the acrostic or alphabetical form (note esp. Pss. 37; 112; 119), and the use of Yahweh’s law or “precepts” (v. 7) as the source of wisdom (note esp. Pss. 1; 19; 119). On the other hand, wisdom influence need not rule out liturgical use (see W. M.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.