Sabbath, August 31 – Psalms 112, 113

1. How does Psalm 112:5 describe a good man?

2. How does trust in the Lord help us with bad news? Psalm 112:7

3. What is the meaning of the word “Hallelujah”? Psalm 113:9

Commentary and Reflection:

Psalm 112 is an acrostic or alphabetical psalm, meaning its structure is guided by the Hebrew alphabet.

According to the Andrews Bible Commentary:

“As a companion psalm to the previous one, Psalm 112 employs the same acrostic structure and contains similar expressions (eg., God’s “righteousness endures forever” in v. 112:36 / 111:3b). However, while both psalms focus on the blessings of torah, Psalm 112 picks up where the previous poem ended, emphasizing the didactic aspect of wisdom and how it plays out in the life of one who follows the Lord’s commandments. Its introductory beatitude connects closely to Psalm 1.” Psalms 112:1-10

This praise mentions the blessings received by those who fear the Lord and delight in His commandments. For believers, the fear of God is the knowledge of His greatness and glory. In Moses’ words in Deuteronomy:

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good? Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it… He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.” Deuteronomy 10:12-14, 21 (NKJV)

To delight in His commandments is to keep them in the heart, remember them, think about them, acknowledge that they are correct, know that they are for blessing, and value obedience. When it says, “the commandments of the Lord” or “His law,” it refers to more than just the Ten Commandments; it relates to all His sayings.

Regarding Psalm 113, the Adventist Bible Commentary states:

” Ps. 1 13-1 18 constitute the Hallel, which is recited at the great feasts of the Jews. During the Passover, Ps. 113 and Ps. 114 were sung before the repast and Ps. 115-118 after the repast. Stanzas from these psalms were sung by Jesus and the disciples in the upper room the night of the betrayal (Matt. 26:30; Mark 14:26; Ed 166; DA 672). Ps. 113 consists of three equal stanzas, each of which contains three verses.” (SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 113)

“Hallel” refers to the songs of praise that are part of the morning service in the great Jewish festivals celebrating liberation events, such as Passover. They are an extended expression of praise and gratitude to God for His kindness toward Israel. “Hallel” is the root of the word “Hallelujah.” “Hallel” means “praised,” and “Hallelujah” means “praise be to the Lord.”

Beyond the word’s meaning, this psalm is a beautiful praise to the Lord, overflowing with recognition and gratitude. It begins and ends with the word “Hallelujah!”

I pray that you enjoyed reading these Psalms and that today, your spirit is filled with a song of gratitude and praise to the Lord. God is good. Hallelujah!