Tehillim - Psalms Chapter 111

The purpose of this particular Psalm was to give descriptive expression to the intention and meaning of the word Halleluyah. Haleluyah – is composed of two words “Hallel” and “YaH.” The translation is “Praise YaH.”

The Talmud (Baba Basrah 14b) mentions ten people who composed various chapters of the book of Psalms. This Psalm has no author ascribed to it.

The Levite(s) who wrote this chapter was (were) expressing the intention and feeling that he (they) incorporated in the word “Haleluyah:” The word incorporates the flow of creation as expressed through its Hebrew letters. The sentiment is arranged in the order of the letters of the Hebrew alef-bet. It is to be felt with the heart and the soul as a microcosm of emotion about the awe and glory of the Creator’s expression in this world.

א Alef – I acknowledge YHVH with a completely focused heart (including)

ב Bais – Following the guidance revealed to those who have a personal connection

              (with YHVH), and connecting (with YHVH) in unison with a group.

ג Gimmel  - Vast are the acts of YHVH

ד Dalet – Needed for all the requirements (of the creation).

ה Hey – Glorious and beautiful are His actions

ו Vov – Expressing His righteousness that endures for all time.

ז Zayin – The miracles of the past are previews for the wonders that will come

ח Ches – Grace and compassion is YHVH.

ט Tes – Transmitted from its Divine origin, He gives to those who have awareness

             of Him

י Yud – A constant reminder of His covenant.

כ Chof – The power of how all was made; He informed his nation

ל Lamed - To give them (the ability to transform the earth that is) the inheritance

                  of the nations.

מ Mem – The actions of His hands are truth and (balanced) judgment

נ Nun – All of his directives are trustworthy.

ס Samech – Aligned through time and space

ע Ayin – Constructed truthfully and accurately.

פ Pey – Redemption He sent to His people

צ Tsaddik – Bonding for all time His covenant

ק Koof – Divine and awesome is His expression.

ר Reish – Initiating wisdom through experiencing YHVH

ש Shin – He established common sense for all action

ת Tov – Thus praise of Him continues throughout time.