The text: Psalm 113 – NRSV
This is a remarkable little psalm that sings the praises of a truly remarkable God. The third verse is the basis of several praise anthems (From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord shall be praised…) The psalm is also the first of a collection of psalms known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113-118) that are commonly sung during Passover, and so is central to the Jewish remembrance of God’s saving act in the Exodus. This context illuminates the truly remarkable nature of this God, who sits high but in humility descends to Earth to raise up the poor and lift up the needy. What strange, “ungodlike” behavior! Gods of the ancient world, whether Canaan, Egypt, Rome, or Greece, lorded their divinity over mere mortals, who were often pawns in their divine games and squabbles. Not so with the God of Israel, who was in the business of siding with the least, the last, and the lost long before the Christ came. Perhaps this really is a God that we’re more likely to find on a park bench rather than a jeweled throne, or in a hospital room rather than a gilded tower, or in a homeless shelter rather than a …. I’ll let you fill that one in, and maybe others like it. What does it mean to serve a God like this? You may find it to be truly remarkable!
Curious about this series of posts? Read the initial post.
Want to catch up on any you missed? See them all by clicking on ‘Lenten Psalms” below.
