Psalms 111:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 111:3
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Chapter Context
Psalms 111 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, mercy, righteousness. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 111:3
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Analysis
Hod v'hadar po'alo, v'tzidkato omedet la'ad (Honor and majesty are His work, and His righteousness endures forever). Hod (honor/splendor) and hadar (majesty/glory) describe God's works' magnificent character. Po'al (work/deed). Tzedakah (righteousness/justice) characterizes God's activity. Amad (stand/endure); la'ad (forever/perpetually). God's works display splendor and manifest righteousness that endures eternally. Unlike human works (tainted by sin, temporary), divine works perfectly reflect His righteous character and last forever.
Historical Context
Israel's history demonstrated God's righteous works: just judgment on Egypt's oppression, faithful provision in wilderness, righteous conquest of wicked Canaanites (Deuteronomy 9:4-5), preservation through exile despite covenant breaking. Each generation saw God's righteousness displayed in history. The ultimate demonstration: Christ's righteousness—His perfect life (active obedience), substitutionary death (passive obedience), vindicating resurrection. God's righteousness revealed in gospel (Romans 1:16-17, 3:21-26).
Reflection
- How do God's works display both majesty (inspiring awe) and righteousness (moral perfection)?
- What specific works of God demonstrate His enduring righteousness?
- How should God's eternal righteousness affect temporal priorities and pursuits?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6666 - Righteous one
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Psalms 119:142
- Parallel theme: Ephesians 3:10