LINK: Psalm 111-112, 117
BACKGROUND
All three of these psalms break out in jubilant praise to God focusing on aspects of His character.
Psalms 111 & 112
Both these psalms are similar in structure and theme. They both include phrases from other psalms and proverbs. They are both alphabetical psalms called acrostics that follow the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
Psalm 111 focuses on God's care and goodness and praises His righteousness. He had redeemed His people from slavery in Egypt. Reverence for Him is the beginning of wisdom. This psalmist would praise God in front of others. Ancient versions of this psalm place it around the time of Haggai and Zechariah.
Psalm 112 highlights some of the advantages of reverence for and obedience to the Lord. He concludes by saying that the righteous will be exalted but the wicked will become powerless and perish.
Psalm 117
This is a very short praise song and part of a group of Hallel songs (Psalms 113-118). These songs were sung at the three "great" festivals of Israel when every male was to come to Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16). Those three festivals were Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. They were also sung on other holy days. Psalms 113-114 were sung before the Passover meal, and Psalms 115-118 were sung afterward.
REFLECTION/APPLICATION/PRAYER
There is nothing like the Psalms to help you focus on all of God's wonderful attributes. Do not just read these Psalms but praise God through them today! It is the perfect preparation for Christmas!!!
1 comment:
All my life you have been faithful. So, so good to me!
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