Tehillim 111

Torat Imecha is dedicated by Mrs. Nechama Wolfson in memory of her grandmother, Riva Schwab, Rivka bat Alexander Sender. Visit the OU Women's Initiative to register for additional content!

Alef-Beis

David starts this Psalm by saying "praise G-d," then he proceeds to deliver the rest in the form of an alphabetic acrostic, two or three letters per line:

Alef: I will thank G-d with my whole heart Beis: in the company of upright people

Gimel: Great are G-d's deeds, Daled: accessible to all who desire them.

Hey: Glory and splendor are His works Vav: and His righteousness lasts forever.

Zayin: A memorial He established for His wonders; Ches: Gracious and merciful is G-d.

Tes: Food He gives to His faithful; Yud: He will always remember His covenant.

Kaf: The might of His deeds He told His people Lamed: to give them an inheritance of nations.

Mem: The work of His hands is truth and justice Nun: faithful are all of His commands.

Samech: Firmly established forever, Ayin: made in truth and fairness.

Pey: Redemption He sent to His people, Tzadi: He commanded His covenant eternally; Kuf: Holy and awe-inspiring is His Name.

Resh: The beginning of wisdom is to be in awe of G-d Sin: Good sense for all who do this. Tav: His praise lasts forever!

Basically, this Psalm is about Torah and those who study it. The last verse is familiar as Reishis Chochma, the prayer recited daily after Modeh Ani.

Author: Rabbi Jack Abramowitz