Purpose

To provide a songbook for worship and express the full range of human emotions in relationship with God.

Author

Multiple authors over 1,000 years. David wrote nearly half (73 psalms), often during his years as a shepherd, warrior, and king. Other contributors include worship leaders, musicians, and poets.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-400 BC. Israel's worship songs covering 1,000 years of history from Moses to the exile.

Significance

The Bible's prayer book and hymnal, showing us how to relate to God honestly in every circumstance.

Key Themes

Worship, Prayer, God's Character, Trust, Deliverance

Interesting Facts

• Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters
• Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verses)

Prophecies

• Messianic psalms predicting Christ's suffering and glory (Psalms 22, 69, 110, etc.) Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled these in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (1000 years later)

Psalm 111 is a powerful hymn of praise that extols the greatness and majesty of God’s works. The psalmist opens with a call to worship, declaring his intent to give thanks to the Lord with his whole heart, particularly within the community of the faithful. This communal aspect of worship emphasizes the importance of collective acknowledgment of God's goodness and faithfulness. The psalmist then reflects on the myriad works of the Lord, highlighting their splendor and majesty, which serve as a source of wonder for those who take the time to study and appreciate them. The text emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s righteousness and the remembrance of His wondrous deeds, pointing to God’s grace and mercy as fundamental characteristics of His nature. The psalmist acknowledges that God provides for those who revere Him, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness. This is particularly poignant as it reminds the reader of God's provision and care, not just on a personal level, but also in a broader context of His people as a whole. As the psalm progresses, the focus shifts to the power of God’s works, indicating that these actions have given His people a rich inheritance. The psalmist asserts that God’s laws are trustworthy and just, underscoring the stability and reliability of His commands. This declaration serves to encourage the faithful to rely on and adhere to God’s statutes, which are established forever. The closing verses highlight the theme of redemption, emphasizing that God has sent redemption to His people, affirming the holiness and awe associated with His name. The chapter concludes with a profound statement about the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom, a theme often echoed throughout biblical literature. This wisdom is not just intellectual; it is practical, leading to a deeper understanding of life that comes from living in reverence and obedience to God. Overall, Psalm 111 serves as a rich reminder of God’s attributes, His works, and the appropriate response of gratitude and reverence from His people.