What does Psalm 111:2 mean?
What is the meaning of Psalm 111:2?

Great are the works of the LORD

• “Great” calls attention to God’s incomparable power and excellence. Psalm 145:3 says, “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable.” Every act of God—creation, providence, redemption—bears this stamp of greatness.

• His works in nature leave us speechless: Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God.” Genesis 1:31 records, “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good,” underscoring the quality of His handiwork.

• His works in history prove His sovereignty. Exodus 15:11 exults, “Who is like You, O LORD? Glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, working wonders.” Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, the preservation of a remnant through exile, and the arrival of the promised Messiah in Luke 2 all shout, “Great are His works!”

• His work of salvation tops them all. Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds us, “God, being rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses.” No human achievement rivals the cross and the empty tomb.

• Taken together, these works form a tapestry that magnifies God’s character—His wisdom, power, love, and faithfulness.


They are pondered by all who delight in them

• “Pondered” carries the idea of intentional, focused meditation. Psalm 143:5 models this: “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works.”

• Delight fuels meditation. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed person: “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.” When our hearts treasure God’s deeds, our minds gladly linger over them.

• Practical ways believers ponder His works:

– Rehearsing personal testimonies of answered prayer (Psalm 66:16).

– Studying biblical narratives to see God’s hand in every detail (Romans 15:4).

– Observing creation with worshipful wonder (Job 37:14; Romans 1:20).

– Celebrating the Lord’s Supper and baptism as vivid reminders of the gospel (1 Corinthians 11:26; Romans 6:4).

• The result is renewed awe and trust. Psalm 104:34 says, “May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD.” Pondering deepens joy, shapes priorities, and equips us to declare His greatness to the next generation (Psalm 145:4-6).


summary

Psalm 111:2 invites us to marvel at God’s spectacular deeds and to make thoughtful reflection a habit. His works are objectively great—matchless in scale and goodness—and believers who genuinely love Him will naturally think on these works with pleasure. Such meditation fans fresh worship, strengthens faith, and readies us to testify, “Great are the works of the LORD!”

What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 111:1?
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