One Verse that Summarizes God’s Character and Activity

A Few Thoughts to Consider

What is your favorite Scripture verse?

While every Christian has a different answer, Psalm 111:9 is especially meaningful. Psalm 111 is an acrostic psalm, and acrostics can serve “to suggest that the meaning of the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”^[1] This chapter is “a corporate psalm of praise to God for his faithfulness to his people and for the wondrous works he has done.

God’s glorious works are expressions of his character.”^[2] In verse 1, the psalmist says, “I will praise the Lord with all my heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.” Why? Because as verse 2 says, “The Lord’s works are great, studied by all who delight in them.”

The primary basis for God’s good works is verse 9, which says, “He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awe-inspiring.” In this one verse, the psalmist encapsulates God's nature and work. His holiness inspires him to love others through the plan of redemption.