Our reading today begins with Psalm 111, a Psalm of praise for all God has done. The Psalmist starts with a call to praise God (111:1). He then speaks of the works of God. All who delight in God’s works consider them (v. 2). His works are majestic and reveal His righteousness (v. 3), and His grace and mercy (v. 4), His faithfulness and justice (v. 7, and His everlasting uprightness (v. 8). God saved His people (v. 9) and provides for them (v. 5). Knowing His power and how He has used it leads the wise to fear and praise Him (v. 10).

Psalm 112 picks up where Psalm 111 leaves off. Those who are wise and fear the Lord are blessed in their obedience (112:1). Those who mirror His uprightness (see 111:8) will be blessed (v. 2). For the upright, there is light in darkness (v. 4). God is gracious, merciful, and righteous (see 111:3-4). We imitate God through generosity and justice (v. 5, 9) and righteousness (v. 6). Such people are not shaken by the trials of this world (vv. 7-8), whereas the wicked will be justly punished (v. 10).

Psalm 113 is another call to praise (113:1). This time, God is to be praised not just for what He has done (as in Psalm 111), but for Who He is. He is the Most High God. He is over the nations of the earth and over heaven (v. 4-6). It is because of Who He is that He exalts the humble and gives to them what they could never gain for themselves (vv. 7-9). For this, He is to be praised!

Psalm 114 recounts the saving works of God for Israel. It harkens back to the Exodus and all God did to provide for His people. He saved them from bondage (114:1). More importantly, He dwelt among His people (v. 2). In His power He separated the waters of the sea to save, and then the waters of the Jordan to provide His people what He promised (v. 3). The skipping of the mountains and hills is likely a callback to God’s presence at Sinai (v. 4 – see Ex 19:18). The Psalmist asks rhetorically why the sea and river separated and the mountain shook (vv. 5-6). Then he answers: the creation rightfully fears God (v. 7 – see 111:10, 112:1). This points to God’s sovereignty over the whole creation. Man is the only creature that doesn’t naturally fear Him. Even rocks bring forth water at His command (v. 8 – see Ex 17:6, Num 20:8).