Psalm 113:1-9 & Ps.114:1-8
Q.1. Why is the God of Israel so worthy of praise? When is God to be praised? – (Ps.113:1-6)
God is not just the God of a people group, or even just the earth – 4 The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. 5 Who is like the Lord our God, Who is enthroned on high (Ps.113:4-5). He is the Lord of Heaven and earth. It is always appropriate to praise God, from the rising of the sun, right through to its setting. In fact, He has to stoop down to behold what happens both in Heaven and on earth (Ps.113:6). The Lord is worthy of praise by all everywhere, and at all times (Ps.113:1-3)
Q.2. What kinds of people gain God’s attention? – (Ps.113:7-9)
The Psalmist stated that the Lord gives special attention to the poor, the needy and the despised (Ps.113:7-9). This was the theme song of Jesus in His message. However, His message was not that everything would be reversed in this life, but that God would reward faithfulness in the life to come. There is an eternal blessing for the defenceless and lowly, that far outweighs temporal wellbeing and prosperity.
Q.3. How did God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt give us hope, even against insurmountable odds? – (Ps.114:1-8)
This Psalm applauded the miracle working power of God, on behalf of the nation whom He was setting free from slavery (Ps.114:1-2). God rescued the people repeatedly, both in Egypt, and then along the way to the Promised Land. This confirmed His Covenant relationship with the Hebrew people. The Red Sea parted, the rocky mountain yielded refreshing water for two million people, and the Jordan River became a highway into the Promised Land (Ps.114:3-6). This was so, because – Judah became His sanctuary, Israel, His dominion (Ps.114:2). God treated His covenant people this way, in order to establish that He is Lord of Heaven and earth, and worthy of awe. The Psalmist called on the earth to – 7 Tremble before the Lord, before the God of Jacob, 8 Who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of water (Ps.114:7-8).