The blessed life.
This psalm, like the previous one, begins with "Hallelujah," and is also an alphabetical psalm. That one gave glad thanks because of what the Lord God himself, in his ways and works, was declared to be. Now this one gives like thanks for what, by the grace of God, his servant is enabled to become. "The one sets forth God, his work and his attributes; the other tells us what are the work and character of those who fear God." So that the same affirmations are made both of God and of his servant (see Psalms 111:3; Psalms 112:3; also Psalms 111:4 and Psalms 112:4). In Psalms 111:1-10. God's faithfulness is celebrated; in this, man's faithfulness. The whole psalm is a continued reiteration of the blessedness of God's service. But—
I. AFTER THE MANNER OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, THAT BLESSEDNESS IS TOLD OF AS BEING SHOWN IN PRESENT EARTHLY AND TEMPORAL REWARD. The seed of God's servant is to become both mighty and blessed. Health should be his, and, yet more, righteousness. Mercy shall go forth from God to him, and from him to his fellow men. He encourages those who need a helping hand, showing favor and lending; and his enemies, for he will have enemies, he will overcome in the judgment. He shall be long and lovingly remembered, and his trust in God shall deliver him from all fear. His enemies he shall meet in the might of confident faith, and see his desire upon them. Be is generous to the poor; he maintains his righteousness and rises to great honor. The ungodly see this with rage and vexation, and perish in his sight. Such was the form which God's recompenses to his faithful people took in the days of old.
II. BUT EVER SINCE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST HAS BEEN PUBLISHED, THE BLESSED NESS OF GOD'S SERVICE IS NOT LESS, BUT IT COMES IN A FAR DIFFERENT MANNER. For serving God may mean, and has meant to myriads, the loss, not the gain, of all earthly good (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:19). So that if we had no other than earthly good to hope for, we should be miserable indeed. But we have. Take the suggestions of this psalm, referring them to that form of blessing which the servant of God realizes now.
1. His seed shall be mighty and blessed. Is it not so? Are not the most effectual influences which are now bearing on men those which stream forth from the Church of God? Slow, no doubt, is their operation, but ever sure and increasing. And as to being blessed—ask the faithful themselves.
2. Spiritual wealth is his. The treasure store of Christ is opened to him, and his part therein is seen in the maintenance of holy character and standing before God and man.
3. The consolations of the Lord are his, and they make him a son of consolation likewise (2 Corinthians 1:4).
4. He is endued with kindly dispositions, and his fair fame his enemies cannot traduce (cf. Revised Version, Psalms 111:5).
5. He abides in the love of God, and when he departs hence his memory is sacred and perpetual.
6. He is kept in perfect peace. (Psalms 111:7.) He shall be kept trusting in God, and shall see his soul's enemies destroyed.
7. Selfishness is not in him, but a generous loving heart, for which all men bless him (Psalms 111:9).
8. His life convicts the wicked man of his miserable folly, and robs him of all power to do him harm (Psalms 111:10). Is not all this the blessed life?—S.C.