Psalms 111-115

Psalm 111
Praise for God's Wonderful Works

1 With my whole heart I thank God in the congregation of the upright.
2-9 Great are the LORD's works:

• Studied by all who delight in them. Believers who are scientists must get a special thrill from studying the creation.
• Full of honor and majesty - his righteousness endures forever
• Food for those who fear him, showing his people the power of his works
• Faithful and just, with trustworthy precepts
• Redemption for his people

We don't ordinarily see praise for the works of God, which at first sight I thought was talking about his creation. But all through this psalm it mentions righteousness, grace, mercy, his covenant, faithfulness, justness, redemption, as if these are the true works of God -- and manifestations of his character.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (repeated in Proverbs 1:7); all those who practice it have a good understanding. Fear is apparently something we practice -- or is it wisdom? Other translations insert "do His commandments" for "practice it."

Psalm 112
Blessings of the Righteous

1-4 Those who fear God are happy; their descendants will be mighty; their households will be wealthy; they are lights for the upright; gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5-7 They are generous, just, immovable, remembered, unafraid, secure in the LORD.
8-9 They are steady, triumphing over their foes, charitable, honored.
10 This angers the wicked, but their desire comes to nothing.

Psalm 113
God the Helper of the Needy

1 Praise the LORD, O servants of the LORD.
2-4 Blessed be his name from morning until evening; his glory is above the heavens.
5-9 No one is like our LORD, who looks far down on us, who raises up the poor to make them sit with princes, who gives children to the barren woman. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 114
God's Wonders at the Exodus

1-2 When Israel left Egypt, she became God's dominion
3-6 The Jordan turned back; the mountains and hills skipped like rams and lambs. Why? This question is rhetorical. Why do you think the earth reacts like this to God? If immovable elements react like this, how should we behave in his presence?
7-8 The earth trembles in the presence of the LORD, who turns rock into water.

Psalm 115
The Impotence of Idols and the Greatness of God

1-2 Glory not to us but to God, for his love and faithfulness, for why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"
3-8 Our God in the heavens does whatever he pleases, but their gods cannot speak, see, hear, feel, nor make sounds. Those who make them are like them. Meaning, I guess, that if you trust in a dumb idol, it makes you just like them: dumb!
9-11 O Israel, house of Aaron, you who fear the LORD - trust him! He is your help and shield. Apparently we can fear God without trusting him.
12-13 The LORD has been mindful of us; he will bless us.
14-15 May the LORD bless you and give you increase.
16-18 The heavens are the LORD's; earth is ours. We will praise God as long as we live.