Psalms
Chapter 111
This short psalm is a song of thanks for what God has done. It lists his works one after another: he feeds his people, remembers his promise, gave them land, and set up rules that can be trusted. In Hebrew it is an alphabet poem, with each line starting with the next letter of the alphabet in order. It closes by saying that respect for the LORD is where wisdom begins.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
1Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with my whole heart. I will do it when honest people meet, and in front of the whole gathering.
2The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
2The things the LORD does are great. Everyone who loves them studies them closely.
3His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
3His work is grand and full of glory. The right and fair way he acts never ends.
4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
4He made sure his wonderful deeds would be remembered. The LORD is kind, and he cares deeply about people.
5He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
5He gives food to those who honor him. He never forgets the covenant he made, the binding promise between him and his people.
In 1611, "meat" meant food of any kind, not just meat from animals.
6He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
6He showed his people how powerful his works are. He gave them the land that other nations once held.
"Heathen" here simply means the other nations, the peoples who lived in the land before Israel.
7The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
7Everything he does is true and fair. All his commands can be counted on.
8They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
8They will hold firm forever and ever. They were given in truth and honesty.
9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
9He sent rescue to his people. He set up his covenant to last forever. His name is holy, and it should fill people with awe.
"Reverend" in 1611 meant awesome, something that fills you with awe. It was not a title for a person.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
10Honoring the LORD with awe is where wisdom starts. Everyone who obeys his commands gains good sense. Praise for him never ends.
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