One who fears God will not fear evil tidings, and not merely because one wedge drives out another, one fear replacing another. The fear...
One who fears God will not fear evil tidings, and not merely because one wedge drives out another, one fear replacing another. The fear of God does not differ “quantitatively” from any human fear; it is inseparable from love for God, and “there is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18).
All this is true, yet so far the text speaks not of love for God but only of love for His commandments, a love that transforms the person who follows them. But is it possible to follow the Lord without seeking to remain united with Him? One can, of course, observe rules of conduct simply by obeying accepted discipline, but how long will such zeal last? Will one not begin to avoid the rules?
It follows that love for the commandments, even in embryonic form, is inseparably linked to love for the Giver of the commandments and is itself the beginning of love for Him.
111 This and several of the following psalms seem to have been wrote for the service of the church in their solemn feasts. It is composed alphabetically, each sentence beginning with a several letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalmist here praises God for his works, Psa 111:1-9. Recommends the fear of God, Psa 111:10.
111:2 Sought - Diligently meditated upon.
111:3 Work - Either all his works, or that eminent branch of those works, his providence towards his people. Righteousness - His justice or faithfulness in performing his word.
111:4 Remembered - By their own nature, and the lasting benefits flowing from them, which are such as cannot easily be forgotten.
111:5 Meat - All necessary provisions for their being and well - being.
111:7 The works - All that he doth on the behalf of his people, or against their enemies. Truth - Are exactly agreeable to his promises, and to justice. Commandments - His laws given to the Israelites, especially the moral law. Sure - Constant and unchangeable.
111:8 Done - Constituted or ordered.
111:9 Redemption - The deliverance out of Egypt, which was a type of that higher redemption by Christ. Commanded - Appointed, or established firmly by his power and authority. For ever - Through all successive generations of his people to the end of the world. Reverend - Terrible to his enemies, venerable in his peoples eyes, and holy in all his dealings with all men.
111:10 The fear - True religion. Beginning - Is the only foundation of, and introduction to, true wisdom.