Psalms 111:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 111:2
2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
Chapter Context
Psalms 111 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, grace, covenant. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-10: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 111:2
2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
Analysis
This verse explains what motivates praise: 'The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.' 'Great' (Hebrew 'gadol') means not merely large but significant, magnificent, and worthy of attention. 'Works' encompasses God's creative acts, historical interventions, providential care, and redemptive deeds. The phrase 'sought out' (Hebrew 'darash') implies diligent searching, investigation, and meditation - not casual observation but intentional study. Those who 'have pleasure therein' (Hebrew 'chefetz') delight in, desire, and treasure God's works. The verse establishes that God's works are inherently great, but their greatness is discovered through careful examination. This creates a reciprocal relationship: delight in God's works motivates seeking them, and seeking them increases delight. The verse implicitly rebukes superficial faith that doesn't seriously study God's revealed character and actions. It elevates meditation and study as acts of worship.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, knowing God's 'works' involved recounting salvation history - the exodus, wilderness provision, conquest, and preservation through enemies. These narratives were rehearsed regularly in worship (Deuteronomy 6:20-25, Psalms 78, 105, 106). The command to 'seek out' God's works connects to the wisdom tradition where students are encouraged to search for understanding like hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:1-5). In the post-exilic period, the study of Torah became central to Jewish identity, with scribes and teachers carefully examining God's word and works. The phrase 'all them that have pleasure therein' describes genuine seekers - those who study God's works not merely as academic exercise but as spiritual pursuit. This anticipates Jesus's teaching that those who seek will find (Matthew 7:7). Church history shows that revival and renewal often accompany recovered study of Scripture and meditation on God's mighty acts. The verse validates intellectual engagement with God's revelation as an act of worship.
Reflection
- What are 'the works of the LORD' that should be the object of our study and meditation?
- How does 'seeking out' God's works differ from casual or superficial reading of Scripture?
- What is the relationship between delight in God's works and diligent study of them?
- Why does careful examination of God's works lead to greater praise?
- In what practical ways can believers cultivate the practice of 'seeking out' God's works?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 104:24, Revelation 15:3
- Parallel theme: Psalms 139:14, 143:5, Job 37:7, Proverbs 17:16, 24:14, Ecclesiastes 3:11