The Lord Helps People in Need
February 19, 2024
Commentary
Psalm 113-118 is a collection of songs sung at the three great festivals of Israel: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. An essential feature of the ancient festivals held by the Israelites was praise to Jehovah. They thanked God for raising up the oppressed (Ps. 113) and for deliverance from Egypt (Ps. 114). They offered the praise of the community (Ps. 115), the individual (Ps. 116), and all nations (Ps. 117). The cycle concluded with an exultant shout of praise that looked forward to the Messiah (Ps. 118). This cycle of six psalms, known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (praise), was used at Passover.
1. The call to praise “Praise the LORD” (vv. 1-3). Passover was truly a season of praise. Israel recalled all God had done for His people as each Jewish family reenacted the supper and remembered the night death struck Egypt and passed by the blood-marked homes of God’s own. No wonder this psalm begins, “Praise the LORD!” and called on Israel to praise Him “now and forevermore.”
2. The cause for praise “Who is like the LORD our God?” (vv. 4-9). No wonder God is praised. The God of Israel, who is exalted over all nations and whose glory is above the heavens, stooped down to “lift the needy from the ash heap” and seat “them with princes.” We Christians too have a Passover to celebrate. God in Christ became a man, and humbled Himself to accept death, that we whom faith marks with His blood might be lifted up beyond princes, to stand before the very throne of God. Praise Him indeed!
Application
God’s work began in poverty or humble beginnings and His leaders often come from among social outcasts. I need to demonstrate by my actions and express with my mouth that all people are valuable and useful in God’s eyes.
Psalms 113:1– 9 (NET)
Verses not found.
Illustration: Lincoln Elderly woman brought him a cookie
With a heavy schedule of appointments President Abraham Lincoln had an elderly woman with no official business in mind ask to see him, and he graciously consented. As she entered Lincoln’s office, he rose to greet her and asked how he might be of service. She replied that she had not come to ask a favor. She had heard that the President liked a certain kind of cookie, so she had baked some for him and brought them to his office. With tears in his eyes, Lincoln responded, “You are the very first person who has ever come into my office asking not, expecting not, but rather bringing me a gift. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” (Our Daily Bread, June 4, 1997).