Psalms 111:2

The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

The works {H4639} of the LORD {H3068} are great {H1419}, sought out {H1875} of all them that have pleasure {H2656} therein.

The deeds of ADONAI are great, greatly desired by all who enjoy them.

Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.

The works of Jehovah are great, Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Commentary

Psalm 111:2 (KJV) declares the profound truth that God's actions and creations are immensely significant and are actively sought out by those who genuinely delight in Him. This verse serves as a call to diligent study and joyful appreciation of the Lord's magnificent deeds, revealing His character and power.

Context

Psalm 111 is an acrostic psalm, meaning each line or couplet begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a common literary device indicating completeness and careful composition. It opens with a resounding "Hallelujah" (Praise ye the LORD) in Psalm 111:1, setting a tone of jubilant praise. The psalm focuses on God's great deeds, His faithfulness, and His righteous character, making it a hymn of thanksgiving. Verse 2 specifically elaborates on the nature of these "works" and the proper response of humanity to them.

Key Themes

  • The Grandeur of God's Works: The phrase "The works of the LORD are great" emphasizes the immense scale, power, and wisdom evident in all of God's actions, whether in creation, providence, or redemption.
  • Divine Revelation: God's works are not hidden; they are His primary means of revealing Himself to humanity. They speak of His attributes, from His omnipotence to His love.
  • The Joyful Pursuit of Knowledge: The phrase "sought out of all them that have pleasure therein" highlights that understanding God's works is not a dry academic exercise but a joyful, intentional pursuit for those who genuinely delight in Him. It suggests active inquiry and meditation.
  • Worship and Appreciation: The ultimate purpose of seeking out God's works is to lead to deeper worship and appreciation for who He is and what He has done.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "works" is ma'asim (ืžึทืขึฒืฉึดื‚ื™ื), referring to deeds, accomplishments, or actions, encompassing everything from the creation of the universe to God's historical interventions. "Great" is gadol (ื’ึธึผื“ึนืœ), signifying vast, mighty, or awesome. The phrase "sought out" comes from derushim (ื“ึฐึผืจื•ึผืฉึดืื™ื), indicating a thorough, diligent search or inquiry, not just a casual observation. This active pursuit is driven by "pleasure therein," derived from chephetz (ื—ึตืคึถืฅ), which denotes delight, desire, or longing. This linguistic depth underscores that the study of God's deeds should be a passionate and joyful endeavor.

Related Scriptures

The greatness of God's works is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. For instance, Psalm 19:1 declares how "The heavens declare the glory of God" through His creation. The concept of diligently seeking God and His ways is echoed in Jeremiah 29:13, "ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." The delight in God's law and His deeds is also central to the blessed life described in Psalm 1:2, where one's "delight is in the law of the LORD." These passages collectively affirm the importance of engaging with God's self-revelation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 111:2 serves as an invitation to a deeper, more intentional relationship with God. It encourages us to not merely acknowledge God's existence but to actively investigate and appreciate His handiwork in the world around us and in His historical dealings with humanity, particularly His redemptive plan through Christ. This includes studying the Bible, observing creation, and reflecting on God's providence in our own lives. When we approach God's works with delight and a searching heart, our faith is strengthened, our worship is enriched, and our understanding of His boundless wisdom and love grows.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 104:24

    O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

  • Proverbs 24:14

    So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

  • Psalms 139:14

    I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.

  • Psalms 143:5

    I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

  • Jeremiah 32:17

    Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

  • Jeremiah 32:19

    Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

  • Revelation 15:3

    And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.