Blessed Is the Man Who Fears Yahweh – Psalm 112

This psalm begins with Hallelu Yah, again, as does Psalm 111 and some of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118).  It has the character of a wisdom psalm, which, much like Proverbs, extols and explains the way of wisdom.  The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.

Praise the LORD!

Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!  His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.  Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.  Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.  It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.  For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.  He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.  His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.  He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.  The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!  (Psalm 112 ESV)

In Psalm 111 it is Yahweh’s righteousness that endures forever and who will be remembered, but here it is the righteous person whose righteousness endures forever and is remembered.  As Psalm 111 averred, that the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, so here the one who fears Yahweh is described in glowing terms.  His fear does not produce craven trembling before Yahweh but delight in Yahweh’s commands and fearlessness in the face of bad news.  The righteous one walks in God’s light, is gracious and merciful like Yahweh, is generous and deals justly.  And such a life will invite the anger of the wicked because it exposes their wickedness.  But unlike the righteous, they will not be remembered but will perish.