A praise song eulogizing the righteous.
Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-2
st. 2 = vv. 3-4
st. 3 =w. 5-6
st. 4 = vv. 7-8
st. 5 = v. 9
st. 6 = v. 10
The second of the eight "hallelujah" psalms (111-118), 112 was probably composed in the post-exilic period by a priest or Levite for temple worship. In structure and theme it is a poetic twin of Psalm 111, but while 111 sings the praise of the righteous God, 112 eulogizes the righteous one who fears the LORD.
The opening and closing verses frame the development of the main theme by contrasting the blessedness of the righteous (v. 1; st. 1) and the unhappy end of the wicked (v. 10; st. 6)–a common theme in Old Testament wisdom literature (see also 1, 34, 37, 49, and 73). The psalmist notes that the children of the righteous share in "their great reward" (st. 1) and that prosperity comes to the merciful and pure (st. 2). Those who befriend the weak find peace and a good name (st. 3), and those who trust in God have security from all their foes (st. 4). The righteous are generous to the poor and are "lifted high in honor" (v. 9; st. 5), but the wicked and their ways will come to nothing (st. 6). The (altered) versification of this wisdom psalm comes from The Book of Psalms (1871), a text-only psalter that was later published with music in the 1887 Psalter.
Liturgical Use:
Wedding or family services; wisdom emphasis; many other occasions in Christian worship.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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