Psalms 112:1

“Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.”

Context:The book of Psalms is a collection of poetic songs and prayers that express a range of emotions and experiences in the life of the psalmist. Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm that extols the blessings of those who fear and obey the Lord.

Praise the Lord:The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord. This sets the tone for the psalm as a song of worship and thanksgiving. It reminds us that our lives should be characterized by praise and adoration for God.

Blessed is the man:The psalmist declares that the person who fears the Lord is blessed. This refers to an attitude of reverence, awe, and respect towards God. The fear of the Lord is not a paralyzing fear, but rather a healthy reverence that acknowledges God’s greatness, holiness, and authority.

Delighting in His commandments:The blessed person not only fears the Lord but also delights greatly in His commandments. This implies a love for God’s Word and a desire to live in accordance with His instructions. The psalmist emphasizes the joy and satisfaction that come from following God’s ways.

The connection between fear and delight:The fear of the Lord and delighting in His commandments go hand in hand. When we revere God, we recognize His wisdom, goodness, and faithfulness. This reverence leads us to willingly embrace His commandments, finding joy and fulfillment in living obediently.

Application:This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards God. Are we cultivating a healthy fear of the Lord, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His authority? Do we find delight in His commandments, seeking to align our lives with His Word? True blessedness and fulfillment come from a relationship with God based on reverence and obedience.

• Blessings of fearing the Lord:As we continue to read Psalm 112, we find that the blessings of the one who fears the Lord are further described. These blessings include prosperity, a lasting legacy, and a sense of security in God’s provision and protection. Fearing the Lord has both spiritual and practical implications for our lives.
• New Testament perspective:In the New Testament, we see that Jesus fulfills the requirements of the law and invites us into a relationship with God based on grace. The fear of the Lord is transformed into a reverent awe and love for Jesus Christ. As believers, we find our delight in following Him and living by His teachings.

Remember to read and study the entire chapter of Psalms 112 to gain a deeper understanding of its context and the broader themes presented in the psalm.