This verse highlights the joyful well-being of the one who reveres God and eagerly keeps His ways.
“Praise the Lord! How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who greatly delights in His commandments.” (v.1)
Psalm 112 begins with a joyful proclamation, “Praise the Lord!” The Hebrew word for “Praise” is often expressed as “Hallelujah,” which invites all who read or hear this psalm to glorify the God of Israel. Immediately following is the statement “How blessed is the man who fears the Lord.” In the Bible, fearing the Lord signifies deep reverence and honor for Him—recognizing Him as the ultimate, sovereign Ruler of the universe and believing His ways lead to the greatest good. Such “fear” of the Lord is not trembling dread, but rather a humble attitude of awe and obedience that shapes a life that trusts God above all else. When it says “who greatly delights in His commandments,” it conveys that the person blessed by the Lord is the one who not only knows His commandments but rejoices to follow them. Jesus likewise affirmed the importance of delighting in God’s commands, teaching that those who love Him will keep His word (John 14:15).
This verse also sets a tone for the entire psalm, which describes the many benefits and blessings of living righteously in awe of the Lord: this man’s descendants are blessed, he is gracious and compassionate, and even in darkness he will have light (Psalm 112:1-4). In the broader context of the Old Testament, fearing the Lord has often been associated with ongoing provision, guidance, and steadfastness, such as when God blessed those who remained faithful in difficult times. The concept is that God both instructs and takes delight in the righteous who walk by faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Short one sentence brief of the summary as the last paragraph and don't preface it:
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Psalms 112:1 meaning
“Praise the Lord! How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who greatly delights in His commandments.” (v.1)
Psalm 112 begins with a joyful proclamation, “Praise the Lord!” The Hebrew word for “Praise” is often expressed as “Hallelujah,” which invites all who read or hear this psalm to glorify the God of Israel. Immediately following is the statement “How blessed is the man who fears the Lord.” In the Bible, fearing the Lord signifies deep reverence and honor for Him—recognizing Him as the ultimate, sovereign Ruler of the universe and believing His ways lead to the greatest good. Such “fear” of the Lord is not trembling dread, but rather a humble attitude of awe and obedience that shapes a life that trusts God above all else. When it says “who greatly delights in His commandments,” it conveys that the person blessed by the Lord is the one who not only knows His commandments but rejoices to follow them. Jesus likewise affirmed the importance of delighting in God’s commands, teaching that those who love Him will keep His word (John 14:15).
This verse also sets a tone for the entire psalm, which describes the many benefits and blessings of living righteously in awe of the Lord: this man’s descendants are blessed, he is gracious and compassionate, and even in darkness he will have light (Psalm 112:1-4). In the broader context of the Old Testament, fearing the Lord has often been associated with ongoing provision, guidance, and steadfastness, such as when God blessed those who remained faithful in difficult times. The concept is that God both instructs and takes delight in the righteous who walk by faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Short one sentence brief of the summary as the last paragraph and don't preface it: