Psalms 111:9
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
For Israel, 'redemption' primarily recalled the exodus from Egypt when God delivered His people from slavery. The concept of redemption included the kinsman-redeemer role (goel) who bought back family members from slavery or land from creditors (Leviticus 25, Book of Ruth). God acted as Israel's redeemer, purchasing them not with silver but with mighty acts of judgment against Egypt. The covenant 'commanded forever' refers to God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15, 17), renewed with Moses at Sinai (Exodus 19-24), and confirmed with David (2 Samuel 7). Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's covenant remained because it depended on His faithfulness, not theirs. The declaration that God's name is 'holy and reverend' reflects the third commandment against taking God's name in vain (Exodus 20:7). Throughout Israel's history, reverence for God's name grew, to the point where Jews avoided pronouncing YHWH. New Testament fulfillment sees Jesus as the ultimate redeemer who purchased His people not with perishable things but with His precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19), establishing the new covenant 'forever' (Hebrews 13:20).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that God 'sent' redemption, emphasizing His initiative in salvation?
- How does God's redemption demonstrate both His justice (a price paid) and His mercy (freeing captives)?
- What assurance comes from knowing God has 'commanded his covenant forever'?
- How should recognizing that God's name is 'holy and reverend' affect our worship, prayer, and daily speech?
- In what ways does Old Testament redemption foreshadow Christ's greater redemption?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse celebrates God's redemptive intervention: 'He sent redemption unto his people.' 'Redemption' (Hebrew 'pedut') means deliverance, often through payment of a price or rescue from bondage. The verb 'sent' indicates God's initiative - salvation comes from Him to us, not our effort to reach Him. 'Unto his people' emphasizes covenant relationship - God redeems those who are His through covenant. The second clause establishes permanence: 'he hath commanded his covenant for ever.' 'Commanded' (Hebrew 'tsavah') means ordained, established with authority. God's covenant isn't tentative or conditional but eternally commanded. The final declaration completes the doxology: 'holy and reverend is his name.' 'Holy' (qadosh) means set apart, transcendent, morally pure. 'Reverend' (nora) means awe-inspiring, fearsome. God's name represents His revealed character, and that character demands worship and reverence. The verse ties together redemption, covenant, and the holy character of God - the basis for all true worship.