October 21, 2015.

Daily Reading: Psalm 114-115.

Background: Psalm 111-113.

Concepts and Connections.

Chapter 114

Tremble at the presence of the Lord: Though this psalm is few in words, it is mighty in meaning, as it tells of the awesome presence of the Lord. In the beginning of the psalm, the people of God are set up as the sanctuary and dominion of the Lord. Then the psalmist turns to the great wonders of nature, each of which flee from their place. When the question is asked why they fled, the answer is the mighty presence of the Lord. The whole earth is called to tremble at the presence of the God of Jacob who brought Israel out of the land of Egypt and is sovereign over all His creation, as is exemplified by His ability to turn rocks into water (see Exodus 17:1-7).

Chapter 115

The Lord God of Israel: This is a psalm that ascribes glory to the Lord, and the Lord alone. The psalmist starts out by denying any glory that would be given to the people of God for the sake of giving it all to the name of the Lord because of His steadfast love and faithfulness. The other nations have no right to ask where the God of Israel is, for He does as He pleases. Then the idols of the nations around them are called out as being inanimate, having the form of a being but having no life within them. They are but mere wood or stone, and those that make them and trust in them become like them in their lifelessness, spiritually speaking. But Israel is called to trust in the Lord, the God in whom and from whom all life comes. The psalmist blesses the Lord and then wishes the blessing of the Lord on the people of the Lord. As long as life is within us, let us ever praise the Lord.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Proverbs 30-31.

Praise the Lord!

-Walter