Psalms 111:4
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Analysis
This verse develops the divine love theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of divine love within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.
Historical Context
The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?
- What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?