HISTORICAL PSALMS 111

0. Introduction

a) For the original hearers, the historical psalms were vivid reminders of God's past acts on behalf of Israel. These history songs were written for passing on important lessons to succeeding generations. They celebrated the many promises of God had made and faithfully kept; they also recounted the faithlessness of the people.

b) We cannot read this ancient history without reflecting on how consistently God's people failed to learn from the past. They repeatedly turned from fresh examples of God's faithfulness and forgiveness only to plunge back into sin. God can use these psalms to remind us how often we do exactly the same thing: having every reason to live for God, we choose instead to live for everything but God. If we paid more attention to "his story" we wouldn't make so many mistakes in our own stories.

1. Historical psalms 111

a) Praise to God for his faithfulness and justice

¹Praise the Lord!

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

 

² The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
³ His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
⁴ 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.

 

⁷ The works of His hands are verity and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
⁸ They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
⁹ He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

 

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever. (Psalms 111:1-10 NKJV)