The Fear Of The Lord Part 1

5 – 7

Another dual role of the Messiah is forgiver of sins and judge. Those that are loyal to the King become His servants. Those that reject Him and raise up banners against Him will be crushed.

Drinking from the brook could mean drinking from the Gihon Springs, which was part of the enthronement ceremony (1 Kings 1:38) or pausing for refreshment before continuing to chase a vanquished foe.

So here’s a question for you: is it the day of the Lord’s anger? Have verses 5 and 6 happened or are happening? No. And if not, why not? Could it be that this is the age where God is patient and extends His grace to make sure that everyone who possibly wants to can become a loyal subject of the King of Kings?

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”

If that’s the case, what should that do to our attitudes about God’s enemies? As I mentioned in Psalm 109—we should spend more time praying for those of this age who “raise banners” against God than attacking them. Just a thought.

Psalm 111

This psalm could then be an answer to those who have decided to put their trust in the Messiah. What is the result? It is wonderful in all respects.

Psalm 111 is what is called an “acrostic” in that the first letter of each half verse follows the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 112 is also an acrostic and many think these two are twins, written by the same author. Psalm 111 extols us to praise God for his works. Psalm 112 extols the fear of the Lord as we’ll see at the end of this psalm.

1

The psalmist begins with a call to praise. Hallelujah is the same in every language. It means to praise Yahweh! Personally as well as publically the psalmist will praise with his whole self. Psalms 111 through 118 are known as the “Halleluiah” psalms.

2 – 3

“Studied” in verse 2 means “to follow” or “tread frequently.” It’s a really good thing to frequently look at all God has done for us. We “delight” in them if we incline to them.

“Splendid” means “imposing form or appearance.” “Majestic” comes from a root word that means: “to swell up”.

There are 5 uses of the word “forever” in this psalm:

God’s righteousness

God’s covenant remembered (vs 5)

God’s Word (vs 8)

God’s covenant ordained – commanded (vs 9)

God’s praise (vs 10)

4 – 5

We remember God’s wonderful works because of His compassion and grace and provision. And I am so glad God remembers His covenant with us forever!

He also provides for us. The word “food” is the Hebrew word for “prey” and probably means that when we are in a wilderness God provides what we need to survive.

6 – 8

Not only does God remember the covenant but He shows the results of that covenant to us in sending His Son to die for us. He is our inheritance (Ephesians 1:11).