Psalms 111:4
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
Original Language Analysis
זֵ֣כֶר
to be remembered
H2143
זֵ֣כֶר
to be remembered
Strong's:
H2143
Word #:
1 of 6
a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration
עָ֭שָׂה
He hath made
H6213
עָ֭שָׂה
He hath made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְנִפְלְאוֹתָ֑יו
his wonderful works
H6381
לְנִפְלְאוֹתָ֑יו
his wonderful works
Strong's:
H6381
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
Cross References
Isaiah 63:7I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.Psalms 86:5For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.Psalms 103:8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.Psalms 145:8The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.Psalms 112:4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.Psalms 78:38But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.Psalms 86:15But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
Historical Context
Psalm 111 is a 'wisdom psalm' composed as an alphabetic acrostic, a literary device emphasizing completeness and aiding memorization. Written for corporate worship ('in the assembly,' v.1), it likely served as catechetical instruction, teaching Israel's children God's covenant history. The reference to 'wonderful works' encompasses Exodus deliverance, wilderness provision, conquest, and ongoing providence. Post-exilic Judaism used this psalm to rehearse God's faithfulness despite exile, affirming His unchanging character.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual disciplines help you 'remember' God's wonderful works rather than drift into forgetfulness?
- How does rehearsing God's past faithfulness strengthen confidence for present trials?
- In what ways do God's 'wonderful works' reveal not just His power but His gracious, compassionate character?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered (זֵכֶר עָשָׂה לְנִפְלְאֹתָיו)—Zeker (memorial, remembrance) suggests God intentionally designed His mighty acts to be unforgettable. The verb asah (to make/do) emphasizes divine agency—God actively ensures His niflaot (wonders, marvels) remain in covenant memory through festivals, testimony, and Scripture. This recalls Passover: 'This day shall be unto you for a memorial' (Exodus 12:14). God's works are self-authenticating revelation demanding generational transmission.
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion (חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם יְהוָה)—This formulaic covenant language echoes Exodus 34:6, God's self-revelation to Moses. Channun (gracious) denotes unmerited favor, while rachum (compassionate) derives from rechem (womb), suggesting maternal tenderness. Psalm 111 is an acrostic (each line begins with successive Hebrew letters), and this theological summary anchors Israel's worship in the character revealed at Sinai. God's wonders reveal not merely His power but His covenant love.