Psalms 112:1
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 112 parallels Psalm 111 in structure - both are acrostic psalms with each line beginning with successive Hebrew letters, suggesting they were composed as a pair. While Psalm 111 praises God's works, Psalm 112 describes the blessed life of those who fear Him. The concept of blessedness through obedience permeates the Torah, particularly Deuteronomy 28 which details blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. However, this psalm adds the dimension of internal delight - obedience motivated by love rather than mere duty. In post-exilic Judaism, after experiencing the consequences of disobedience through exile, the community's identity centered on Torah observance. Psalm 1 similarly describes the blessed man who delights in God's law. Jesus's Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) follow this pattern of pronouncing blessing on those whose character aligns with God's kingdom. The verse challenges the worldly notion that happiness comes from freedom to do as one pleases, asserting instead that true blessedness comes from delighting in God's revealed will.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'fearing the LORD' lead to 'delighting greatly in his commandments'?
- What is the difference between external obedience and delighting in God's commands?
- Why does the Bible consistently link blessedness with obedience rather than with circumstances or possessions?
- How can believers cultivate delight in God's commandments rather than viewing them as burdensome?
- In what ways does this verse challenge modern notions of happiness and fulfillment?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm begins with a beatitude: 'Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD.' 'Blessed' (Hebrew 'ashrei') indicates deep happiness, security, and divine favor. This blessedness is predicated on 'feareth the LORD' - reverent awe and worship of God (echoing Psalm 111:10). The second clause expands this: 'that delighteth greatly in his commandments.' 'Delighteth' (chafetz) means to take pleasure in, desire, and treasure. 'Greatly' intensifies this - not grudging obedience but joyful embracing of God's law. This connects fear and delight - proper fear of God produces delight in His ways rather than dread. The blessed person doesn't merely keep commands externally but finds internal joy in them. This reflects the new covenant promise where God's law would be written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). The verse establishes that blessedness comes not from worldly success but from right relationship with God manifested in loving obedience.