This is the first of a series of three psalms beginning with the word, Hallelujah. Every psalm from 111 to 113 begins that way. It could be that 114 began that way as well but the textual evidence is mixed.
The psalm is an acrostic. It runs through the letters of the Hebrew alphabet with two new letters introduced in each verse.
The theme is the praise of God (1), and the main reason he is to be praised is his mighty works (2).
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of splendour and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. (1-4)
The believer is to study (seek out, ponder) the works of the Lord (2), meditate on them; and tell others of them.
He is to be praised as creator.
This is not dwelt upon in this psalm. But creation is fundamental to what we owe to God. It lies behind everything for which we give praise, even when it is not mentioned.
He is also to be praised as saviour of the nation.
He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
He has saved them by providing food (5) and by granting them an inheritance among the nations (6).
He is also to be praised as our faithful covenant keeping God.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; 8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
To have saved them from Egypt and given them land, would not have been merciful if he had not also given them guidance in living. The law, no less than the land, was a blessing (8-9). Until the law is recognized as a blessing, we really cannot grow wise (10).
Israel ought to have praised the Lord for these reasons. Strong as these reasons were for them, they are stronger for us. He is our creator no less than theirs. He saved us from a slavery worse than that in Egypt and has done so at great personal cost. He is faithful in his relationship with us.
So let us imitate this psalm and remember that we have greater reason for praise for, “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (! Peter 2:9).
With this psalmist, we ought to say hallelujah, not just personally and privately, but publicly, especially in the company of the upright and in the congregation.