Remembering the Mighty Redemption of God
Psalm 114
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
Introduction
Psalm 114 is the second in the series of Egyptian Hallel in the Psalms and it is sung as part of Passover celebration. This psalm is the remembrance psalm of the Exodus event.
1. God’s Redemption of Israel from Oppression. Psalm 114: 1-2
- Redemption from Egypt. Psalm 114:1
- God redeemed Israel from Egypt and it was the center of the Old Testament covenant. It is always remembered at thePassover celebration. They were delivered from slavery in Egypt after 400 Years. They lived in the country of a people of strange language. The strange or foreign language is a Hebrew phrase associated with the bondage. Isa.28:11; Jer. 5:15; Ex.20:2.
- Redemption to become God’s dwelling place. Psalm 114:2
- The purpose of God’s redemption of Israel is to become God’s sanctuary. Though tabernacle and temple are symbolic expressions of God’s presence in the Old Testament, God’s redeemed people are the dwelling place of God. Here, Judah represents the whole nation. Wherever God dwells, it will become God’s Kingdom. As the people of God become God’s dwelling place, God will reign among his people and his dominion over them
2. The display of the Great works of God in His redemption. Psalm 114:3-8
- God’s great authority over the waters and the mountains. Psalm 114:3-6
- The Psalmist recalled the powerful works of God at the Red Sea and the Jordan River. He displayed his power over the waters.
- The Psalmist recalled the strong earthquakes and similar power expressed at Mount Sinai. Ex.19:16-20. When God revealed his power, the mountains skipped like rams.
- Calling the earth to honor God for his mighty presence. Psalm 114:7-8
- For the first time in the psalms, the psalmist calls God Adonai (Lord) and God of Jacob. He calls God Adonai on the earth at the macro level and the God of Jacob in Israel at the micro level.
- He calls the earth to tremble. The meaning of tremble is to have labor pains at birth. The pain is not just for the experience but for a new birth.
- The reasons he gives are remarkable. He remembers the power of God over creation in the Exodus history. God brought forth water for His people from the rock and hardened flint. God’s power works for them, not against them.
Conclusion
The purpose of this psalm is to invite God’s people to remember what God had done in the history of Israel and their histories. The reasons for the call to honor God are based on who God is what his power is and what he can do in our lives. God’s power works for us, not against us.