Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. (Psalm 111:2-3)
This Psalm focuses on God’s work. So let’s start looking at the picture it paints.
First, the word great doesn’t just mean big. The meaning also includes number, extent, intensity, and importance. And the word works can mean more than just deeds done. It can also be translated business.
How does it change the picture to say that God’s business is great? As I put all those pieces together, I see that it’s not just acts that he does – it’s all that he does. It’s the acts, the thoughts, the plans, the care, all of it. It’s all far-reaching—and it’s great!
The word study can also include care for. Those who love him study (learn) and care for his business. In some ways I think it’s easier to study something than to care for it. I think about college with all its “core” subjects—one’s that you just have to get through to get to the good stuff. But caring for something—that’s different. You want to know it well, but care also involves protection. It involves delighting in the wonderfulness of it and making sure that it doesn’t get twisted into something ugly.
Splender and majesty add to the picture of his work, too. They’re big, awesome, larger than life words.
The word endures has the idea of taking a stand in it. How does it change your picture of God to think of him taking a stand for righteousness? I have a picture of someone standing tall, with his feet set so that he can’t be pushed over. But more than that. He already did all the work necessary to make sure that business succeeds. His righteouness is satisfied and so is he. Now he takes his stand.
And we can delight in his business …