What a marvelous hymn is this 2nd of the Hillel Psalms that conclude the Bible’s Hymnbook. As with each of them it gives us a multitude of reasons to praise God. Truly praise is both “pleasant” and “beautiful” (v1). But why? What makes it so easy to praise God?
The Psalm is written in the context of a call to
Israel, and especially Jerusalem, to praise the Lord for His “sustaining” work
in His creation. In verses 2-6 God is
seen as omniscient and compassionate. He
is so knowledgeable He calls the stars by name; His compassion causes Him to
exalt the humble and humble the exalted.
And these perfections of God are seen in the way He has gathered the
outcasts to Jerusalem to build it up.
In verses 7-11 God is praised because of the way He
cares for His creation day by day. These
verses note that God’s sustaining grace is for all the earth. And the blessings are especially for those in
whom He delights: not the great and powerful of the earth but those who fear
Him, who “hope in His mercy”.
Then note that in verses 12-18 it is Jerusalem
again that is called to praise God. They
are to be thankful for the way God has sustained His people along with the rest
of the earth. It is especially to be
noted that God is the source of security and peace as well as healthy children
and the finest wheat. God does this!
Do not miss the conclusion to the Psalm for herein
we see the connection between God’s revealing Himself in creation (general
revelation) and His revelation in Scripture (special revelation). The God Who has blessed Israel with rain and
crops and families is the God Who has blessed Israel with His word! Those who “fear God (and) hope in His mercy”
are those who receive all of His blessings with praise.
Oh Israel, praise God today for His blessings upon
you. Do not trust in the strength of man
but fear God, hope in His mercy!
Oh drought-ridden friends in California, turn to
the Creator-Sustainer today. Thank Him
for His blessings. Do not trust in the
strength of man but fear God, hope in His mercy!
Oh friends in Montana where God has abundantly
blessed, give Him praise today! Do not
trust in the strength of man but fear God, hope in his mercy!
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