I had to check the brilliant and always practical Warren Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary, p. 781 for help with this one. I knew that it looked forward to the coming of Jesus, but well...Wiersbe just hits the nail on the head! The following notes are adapted from his commentary.
First of all he tells us that this psalm is quoted in the New Testament more than any other psalm. Jesus quoted it as did Peter and the writer of Hebrews.
We see that David wrote the psalm, and he begins with these word, "The Lord said to my Lord..." OK, so we know that Jesus would be David's descendant; how could be also be his Lord? Jesus would come to us through the family of David, but He would not be a mere man. He would be God in the flesh and would become David's Lord!
This psalm shows us Jesus from 3 different perspectives:
- The King. v. 2 This is a picture of Jesus' victory over His enemies. The final victory has not yet been won, but He will rules in the midst of His enemies. We are to be volunteers in His army. v. 3
- The Priest. v. 4 (Melchizedek can be found in Genesis 14.) As King, Jesus is in control of circumstances around us. As Priest, He can help us with the feelings, weaknesses, and struggles within us. What a wonderful Savior we have!
- The Judge. vv. 5-7 The day is coming when the Lord Jesus will deal with His enemies once and for all. (Revelation 19 and 20) He will be victorious and His head lifted up. v. 7 Those of us who know Him and have been born into His family will not experience Him as Judge. Our sins are already paid for! Today we must obey Him as King and depend on Him as Priest as we work and pray for others to be saved before He comes as Judge.
Psalm 111
Are you a student of the Word? We all should be learning and growing in God's Word regularly. This psalm gives us some encouragement in this area. How should be go about our study?
- "Praise the Lord!" v. 1 Praise and worship should always be a part of our Bible study. It is much more than an academic look at an ancient book. The Author is communicating with us and we with Him.
- Recognize God's great and wonderful works. vv. 3-6
- Know that His Word is totally dependable. "All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness." vv. 7-8
- Know that He has sent redemption to us. v. 9
- Choose to obey as He teaches you. v. 10 When we are willing to do the truth, the Holy Spirit will teach us. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do his commandments. His praise endures forever." v. 10
For our meditation: "Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart. In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them." Psalm 111:1-2
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