Faithlife Study Bible (Biblia.com)

112:1–10 Psalm 112 is structured as an alphabetic acrostic, in which each line begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (see 111:1–10 and note). It is a wisdom psalm—meant to pass along wise sayings—that, like Psa 1, contrasts the path of the righteous with the path of the wicked. The psalmist first describes the character of the righteous (v. 1), then recalls the blessings that come to them (vv. 2–5). He shows that the righteous are secure because they can trust in Yahweh (vv. 6–9). The psalmist concludes by mentioning the ultimate fate of the wicked (v. 10).

Acrostic Psalms

Types of Psalms Table

112:1–4 After commanding his audience to praise Yahweh, the psalmist lists the bountiful blessings of the righteous person who follows Yahweh. The Hebrew word ashre used in these verses (meaning “blessed” or “fortunate”) occurs frequently in the psalms to highlight the state of the righteous person (e.g., 1:1; 41:1; 106:3).

112:1 Praise Yah See note on 104:35.

Blessed is The Hebrew word used here, ashre, occurs more than 25 times in the Psalms.

It is connected with the idea of wisdom and what is commonly called the “two ways” motif—referring to the way of wickedness versus God’s ways—prevalent in Wisdom Literature (see Psa 1). Jesus alludes to the term ashre in the Beatitudes (Matt 5:2–12; Luke 6:20–23). See note on Psa 1:1.

Blessed NBD

Happy Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words

Beatitudes EDB

who fears Yahweh See note on 90:11.

commands Refers broadly to all of God’s commandments.

112:2 the land Though the Hebrew word used here, erets, can refer to ground or territory in general, it often refers more specifically to the land of Israel, as it probably does here.

112:3 righteousness The Hebrew word used here, tsedaqah, refers to right actions, which can be loyalty or acting justly. In this context, it likely refers to actual deeds of loyalty or justice done for the community (compare v. 9).

For the ot authors, righteousness (tsedaqah) is connected to a right attitude toward God and right deeds in light of God’s commands. The ot speaks of genuinely pious actions as having some sort of lasting component because they are connected to real deeds, just as God’s righteousness is connected to real deeds. However, the ot authors condemn arrogant portrayals of piety as mechanistic and unconnected with real repentance and genuine loyalty to God (see Isa 1:10–17; Mic 6:6–8).

Work and Redemption ZDBT

Is Jewish legalism criticized in the NT? NBD

112:4 light rises in the darkness Compare Pss 97:11; 111:27.

compassionate Refers to the righteous person. See note on 103:4.

112:5–9 In this passage, the psalmist specifies the ethics of the righteous person—especially in relationship to the impoverished. He also describes the inner life of the righteous. Because righteous people trust Yahweh and deal with others justly, they will enjoy Yahweh’s help.

112:5 who is gracious The Hebrew word used here, chanan, means “to favor,” “to have compassion,” or “to be gracious”—referring generally to a generous attitude.

In the ancient Near East, the impoverished relied on generosity to survive. Although ot law required that the Israelites be generous, Yahweh reassured those who gave to the needy that He would bless them (see Deut 15:7–11; Prov 19:17).

Generosity, human ZDBT

Lend, Lending DBI

112:6 remembered forever This description of the righteous (tsaddiq in Hebrew) mirrors Psa 111’s description of Yahweh’s righteousness (tsedaqah in Hebrew). See 111:3.

Remembering ZDBT

Remembrance DBI

112:7 He is not afraid The psalmist declares that the righteous person does not worry or dread bad news.

112:8 he will not be afraid The psalmist indicates that righteous people—who fear Yahweh (v. 1)—will never need to fear because they will always have Yahweh’s help when faced with enemies.

112:9 He gives lavishly to the needy The righteous person both lends and gives to the needy (compare v. 5).

His horn A symbol of strength and power.

112:10 The psalmist contrasts the strife of the wicked person with the calm experience of the righteous person.

He gnashes his teeth A gesture of rage associated with clenched jaws, such as speaking through clenched teeth or grinding one’s teeth.

Teeth ZDBT

Teeth DBI

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