Psalms 111:3

Context of Psalms 111:3

Psalm 111 is an acrostic psalm, with each line (or half-line in Hebrew) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is a powerful hymn of praise, extolling the character and deeds of the Lord. The psalm opens with a call to praise God with the whole heart (Psalm 111:1) and then proceeds to detail the reasons for such praise. Verse 3, "His work [is] honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever," specifically focuses on the nature of God's actions and His unchanging moral character. This verse builds on the declaration in Psalm 111:2 regarding the greatness and wonder of God's works, setting the stage for a deeper appreciation of their quality and lasting impact.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Majesty of God's Works: The phrase "His work [is] honourable and glorious" highlights the inherent dignity, splendor, and beauty of everything God does. This encompasses His acts of creation, His historical interventions on behalf of His people, His redemptive plan, and His ongoing providence. God's actions are not merely effective; they are also perfect, just, and awe-inspiring, reflecting His majesty evident in all of creation.
• The Eternity of God's Righteousness: The second part of the verse, "and his righteousness endureth for ever," emphasizes God's unwavering moral perfection and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. His righteousness is not temporary or situational; it is an eternal attribute. This means His justice, integrity, and uprightness are constant, providing a stable foundation for His character and His dealings with humanity. This is a truth echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 32:4, which speaks of God's perfect work and righteous ways.
• Divine Attributes: The verse powerfully encapsulates two core divine attributes: God's glorious power in action and His steadfast, eternal righteousness. These qualities inspire both reverence and trust in those who contemplate them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse convey rich meaning:

• "Honourable" comes from the Hebrew word hod (הוֹד), which signifies splendor, majesty, or glory. It speaks to the impressive and magnificent nature of God's deeds.
• "Glorious" is derived from hadar (הָדָר), meaning honor, beauty, or glory. Together with hod, it paints a picture of God's works as being inherently magnificent and worthy of admiration.
• "Righteousness" is tsedeq (צֶדֶק), a foundational term in Hebrew thought, referring to justice, moral rectitude, and adherence to a standard of rightness. It implies God's ethical perfection and His consistent fidelity to His nature and promises.
• "Endureth for ever" is la'ad (לָעַד), indicating eternity, perpetuity, and permanence. It assures us that God's righteousness is an unchanging, everlasting quality.

Practical Application

For the believer, Psalms 111:3 offers profound comfort and a call to worship. Recognizing that God's work is "honourable and glorious" should lead to a deep sense of awe and gratitude. It encourages us to look for God's hand in creation, in history, and in our personal lives, seeing the beauty and purpose in His design. The assurance that "His righteousness endureth for ever" provides immense security and trust. In a world of shifting values and uncertain justice, God's unchanging righteousness is a firm anchor. It means we can rely on His promises, trust in His judgments, and have confidence that He will always act in accordance with His perfect character. This truth compels us to live lives that reflect His righteousness, knowing that our efforts to pursue justice and integrity are aligned with His eternal nature.