I really needed this psalm today. My body aches are more evident this morning from doing yard work yesterday, and my sciatica is acting up. So what greets me as I read is a call to praise Yahweh (1-3). The song begins (1) and ends (21) with “Praise the LORD!” or “Hallelu Jah!” Five times the call goes out to praise Yahweh (1-3), and five times the antiphonal response goes out to bless Yahweh (19-21). What reasons do I have for praising Yahweh today? First, like Jacob/Israel, he has chosen me for himself (4; Ephesians 1:4-5). That’s incredible for both conniving Jacob and corrupt me. Second, the LORD is good (3). Third, he is great (5a); and fourth, he is the sovereign master above all gods of man’s making (5b). He’s sovereign in that he does whatever pleases him in the universe – heaven, earth, among nations & nature (6-7). God is active in his creation and for the sake of his people. Israel’s history and mine testifies to God’s deliverance by his mighty power (8-12). Yahweh’s name or renown (reputation) endures forever (13), unlike any human personality.
Another reason I have for praising God is that he will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants (14), of which I am one. I don’t have to seek revenge or justice on those who oppose me. I trust God to do so. What I need to be concerned about personally and for my nation is idolatry – looking to a gift rather than the Giver or the creation rather than the Creator for satisfaction or meaning in life. Idols are impotent to help me, and I am an imbecile for trusting in them (15-18). So today I will praise & bless Yahweh and humble myself before him as his servant and worship him alone so that I might become more like him rather than anything of my own making (18). I’m beginning to feel better already.
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