Psalm 111 is another carefully constructed song. It is an acrostic, but its acrostic structure is a little different from other acrostic psalms. Those usually have twenty-two verses of two (sometimes more) lines each, and each verse begins with the Hebrew letter next in order. But this psalm has twenty-two lines, each of which begins with the expected Hebrew letter.
Furthermore, after an introductory section (vv. 1–3a), the rest of the psalm (vv. 3b–10) forms a chiasm that repeats certain phrases or words in strategic locations. I have underlined them in the table below. They are “stands to perpetuity,” “fear,” “his covenant forever,” and “his people.” These are key concepts in the psalm. The A parts of the chiasm consist of three lines each, B and C of one line each, and D (the central section) of seven lines. At the very center of the chiasm and of the D section is the important line, “Confirmed are all his precepts.”
The introduction gives us the theme of the psalm. It is a public song of praise to Yahweh for his great deeds and for his law.
Verses 3b–7a are about his wonders performed for his people, verses 7b–10 about his precepts. The specific works for which the psalm praises him are his wonders in the past, especially his providing food and giving the inheritance of the nations. Verses 7b 10 celebrate his precepts, especially their firmness, durability, truth and uprightness.
The psalm reminds us that both his wonders and his precepts are for his people, for the maintenance of his covenant, and for the accomplishment of their redemption. Therefore. we should fear him.
The opening line of the chiasm, “his righteousness stands to perpetuity,” covers both his wonders and his precepts. His wonders are works of righteousness for the bestowing of righteousness on his people, and his precepts are the revelation of his righteousness for their life with him in his covenant.
The closing line of the chiasm also covers both his wonders and his precepts. His praise for both, like his righteousness, stands to perpetuity.
Truly, great are the deeds of Yahweh. Indeed, the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. May God grant that we both fear and praise him forever.
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