Psalms 111:9

KJV

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend [is] his name.

KJV (with Strong's)

He sent {H7971} redemption {H6304} unto his people {H5971}: he hath commanded {H6680} his covenant {H1285} for ever {H5769}: holy {H6918} and reverend {H3372} is his name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He sent redemption to his people and decreed that his covenant should last forever. His name is holy and fearsome

Berean Standard Bible

He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name.

American Standard Version

He hath sent redemption unto his people; He hath commanded his covenant for ever: Holy and reverend is his name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 111:9 extols the majestic character and redemptive acts of God, declaring that He has actively delivered His people and eternally established His covenant promises. The verse culminates in a profound affirmation of His name as supremely holy and awe-inspiring, inviting deep reverence and worship. It encapsulates the divine attributes of faithfulness, power, and moral perfection, serving as a cornerstone for understanding God's relationship with humanity and His unwavering commitment to His saving purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 111 is a meticulously crafted acrostic psalm, a hymn of praise (Hallel) that systematically extols the wondrous works and righteous character of Yahweh. Each half-line (or sometimes full line) of the Hebrew text begins with successive letters of the alphabet, demonstrating a deliberate and complete recounting of God's praiseworthy attributes. It forms a pair with Psalm 112, which is also an acrostic and describes the blessings of the righteous person who fears the Lord, mirroring the divine attributes praised in Psalm 111. The psalm begins with a call to praise God "with my whole heart" ([Psalm 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalm 111:1 - Praise the Lord")) and moves through a litany of His great deeds, from creation to providing food for those who fear Him, and ultimately to His enduring covenant. Verse 9 serves as a climax, summarizing God's redemptive history and the eternal nature of His promises, immediately preceding the foundational declaration in [Psalms 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalms 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom") that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects the historical experience of ancient Israel, particularly their foundational narrative of deliverance from bondage. The "redemption unto his people" would immediately evoke the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise of Redemption"), a pivotal event demonstrating God's mighty arm and His covenant faithfulness. The concept of "covenant" (Hebrew: *berit*) was central to Israelite identity, representing the binding agreements God initiated with figures like [Noah](/genesis/9 "Genesis 9 - The Noahic Covenant"), [Abraham](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant"), and [Moses](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - The Mosaic Covenant"), establishing a unique relationship between God and His chosen people. The "name" of God in ancient Near Eastern thought was not merely a label but represented His entire being, character, authority, and reputation. To declare His name "holy and reverend" (awesome) was to acknowledge His absolute transcendence, moral purity, and the profound awe His presence and power inspired in a culture deeply attuned to divine majesty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **God's active and historical redemption**, portraying Him as a deliverer who intervenes on behalf of His people, not as a distant deity. Secondly, it emphasizes the **eternal and unbreakable nature of God's covenant promises**, underscoring His unwavering faithfulness and reliability across generations. This theme of divine fidelity provides a secure foundation for faith and hope. Thirdly, the declaration "holy and reverend is his name" speaks to the **absolute holiness and transcendent majesty of God**. His "name" signifies His revealed character, which is utterly pure, morally perfect, and inspires profound awe and reverence. This theme connects directly to the call for wisdom found in [Psalms 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalms 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"), suggesting that true wisdom begins with a proper understanding and awe of God's character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redemption (Hebrew, _pedut'_):** This word signifies deliverance, liberation, or ransom, often implying a cost or an act of powerful intervention to free someone from bondage, oppression, or danger. In the Old Testament, it frequently refers to God's mighty acts of rescuing Israel, most notably from Egyptian slavery. It emphasizes God's active role as a rescuer and liberator.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _berit'_):** A solemn, binding agreement or pact, often initiated by God with humanity. It involves mutual promises, obligations, and often, curses for disobedience and blessings for obedience. The phrase "commanded his covenant for ever" underscores its divine origin, its authoritative nature, and its eternal, unwavering validity, highlighting God's faithfulness to His word.
* **Reverend (Hebrew, _nora'_):** The KJV translation "reverend" captures the sense of deep respect and veneration. However, the Hebrew *nora* literally means "fearful," "awesome," or "dreadful." It conveys a sense of profound awe, wonder, and even holy terror that God's majesty, power, and holiness inspire. It suggests that God's name is not merely to be respected but to be regarded with overwhelming reverence, acknowledging His unique and incomparable nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sent redemption unto his people:"** This clause immediately establishes God as the active agent of deliverance. The use of "sent" (Hebrew: *shalach*) implies a deliberate, purposeful act of intervention. "Redemption" points to a specific, historical act of liberation, most prominently the Exodus, but also encompasses all of God's saving acts throughout history on behalf of His chosen people. It highlights His compassionate and powerful involvement in their lives.
* **"he hath commanded his covenant for ever:"** This phrase emphasizes the enduring and authoritative nature of God's promises. The verb "commanded" (Hebrew: *tzavah*) indicates that the covenant is not a suggestion or a temporary agreement, but a divinely ordained, unchangeable decree. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: *le'olam*) underscores the eternal and unwavering reliability of God's commitments, providing a firm foundation for trust and assurance in His faithfulness.
* **"holy and reverend [is] his name."** This concluding declaration serves as the theological climax. God's "name" represents His entire revealed character, essence, and authority. To say it is "holy" (Hebrew: *qadosh*) means it is set apart, pure, and morally perfect, utterly distinct from all creation. To say it is "reverend" (*nora*, awesome/fear-inspiring) means His character evokes profound awe, worship, and humble submission. This phrase summarizes the attributes of God that necessitate ultimate veneration and adoration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 111:9, as part of an acrostic psalm, participates in the broader literary device of **Acrostic Structure**, which demonstrates the psalmist's comprehensive and ordered praise of God, suggesting that every aspect of God's character, from A to Z, is worthy of adoration. Within the verse itself, **Parallelism** is evident, though not strictly synonymous or antithetical, in the way it presents three distinct but interconnected aspects of God's character and action: His redemptive work, His eternal covenant, and the holiness of His name. This cumulative effect builds a complete picture of divine majesty. The use of "His name" is a powerful example of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands in for God's entire being, character, reputation, and authority. This device allows the psalmist to encapsulate the ineffable nature of God into a concept that can be praised and revered. The overall tone is **Hymnic**, characteristic of a praise psalm, employing elevated language to evoke a sense of wonder and adoration for the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 111:9 stands as a profound theological statement, knitting together the themes of divine redemption, covenant faithfulness, and the awesome holiness of God. It asserts that God is not merely a distant deity but an active, intervening Lord who has a specific people and an eternal plan for their salvation. His redemptive acts, rooted in His unchanging character, are the historical outworking of His eternal covenant. The declaration that His name is "holy and reverend" serves as a theological anchor, reminding us that all of God's actions flow from His inherent purity and majesty, demanding our utmost awe and worship. This verse thus provides a robust foundation for understanding God's nature as both immanently involved in human history and transcendently set apart in His glory.

* [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise of Redemption")
* [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant Promised")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Seraphim Proclaim God's Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 111:9 offers a powerful anchor for faith and a profound call to worship in the lives of believers today. It reminds us that the God we serve is not capricious or forgetful, but one whose character is defined by unwavering faithfulness and active deliverance. In a world fraught with uncertainty and broken promises, this verse invites us to rest in the assurance that God's past acts of redemption are a guarantee of His future faithfulness, and His covenant promises are eternally secure. Recognizing that His name is "holy and reverend" should cultivate within us a deep sense of awe, reverence, and humility. It challenges us to approach God not casually, but with profound respect, recognizing His absolute moral perfection and majestic transcendence. This reverence should translate into a desire to live lives that honor His name, reflecting His holiness in our daily conduct and inspiring worship in all that we do. It encourages us to trust in His redemptive power for our present struggles and to find ultimate security in His everlasting covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's past acts of redemption (like the Exodus) strengthen your faith in His ability to deliver you today?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's "everlasting covenant" provide comfort and assurance in your life?**
* **What does it mean practically to live in reverence for God's "holy and reverend" name?**
* **How can reflecting on God's character, as described in this verse, deepen your worship and praise?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God's "name" being holy and reverend?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" is far more than a mere label; it encapsulates the very essence, character, and authority of a person. When Psalms 111:9 declares God's name to be "holy and reverend," it means that His entire being, His revealed character, and all that He is, is utterly set apart (holy) from all creation, pure, and morally perfect. Furthermore, it means His character inspires profound awe, reverence, and even a respectful fear (*nora* – awesome/dreadful). It signifies that God is incomparable, majestic, and worthy of the highest possible veneration and worship. This understanding of His name as holy and awesome is foundational to wisdom, as [Psalms 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalms 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom") immediately states.

**How does God "command" His covenant for ever?**

Answer: The phrase "he hath commanded his covenant for ever" emphasizes the divine origin and unchangeable nature of God's promises. It means that God, in His sovereign authority and power, has decreed and established His covenants as eternal and unbreakable. Unlike human agreements that can be broken or expire, God's covenants are founded on His immutable character and His omnipotent will. He doesn't merely suggest a covenant; He commands it into existence and sustains it eternally by His word and power. This provides absolute assurance that His promises, such as those made to [Abraham](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant") or concerning the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant Promised"), are utterly reliable and will endure forever.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 111:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "redemption" God "sent unto his people," not merely from physical bondage, but from the spiritual slavery of sin and death, as declared in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ"). Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross is the supreme act of divine redemption, where God Himself paid the ultimate price to liberate humanity, as seen in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption through His Blood") and [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood"). Furthermore, Jesus is the mediator and guarantor of the "everlasting covenant" that God "commanded for ever." The Old Testament covenants pointed forward to a greater, new covenant, which was inaugurated in Christ's blood, as He Himself stated at the Last Supper ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). This [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant") is superior and eternal, secured by His perfect life, death, and resurrection. Finally, it is through Christ that the "holy and reverend" name of God is fully revealed and glorified. Jesus perfectly reveals the Father's character, and it is in His name that salvation is found ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Indeed, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed upon Him the name that is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Name Above All Names")), ensuring that all creation will ultimately bow in reverence to the One through whom God's redemption and covenant faithfulness are eternally established.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 99:3

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; [for] it [is] holy.

Luke 1:49

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy [is] his name.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Luke 1:68

Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

Ephesians 1:14

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation 4:8

¶ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.