Psalm 113

Reading for August 22, 2012      Psalm 113

Prayers do not have to be long. Some of the most profound prayers are quite simple in form and short in length. Psalm 113, with just nine verses, is an excellent example of this. Not only is it short and direct, it is timeless in its depth.

Psalm 113 is a part of the praise psalms: 113-118; and 120-136. These psalms were used in the great festivals of Israel and Psalms 113-118 were sung in homes during the Passover. However, Psalm 133 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Gospel of Luke.

Psalm 113 is structured on the contrast between high and low, as verses 5 and 6 demonstrate:

“Who is like the Lord our God,

   who is seated on high,

 who looks far down

   on the heavens and the earth?” (NRSV)

Luke follows this pattern early in his Gospel when Mary’s Magnificat proclaims,

“for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.

   Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

   and lifted up the lowly;”

Luke 1:48, 52 (NRSV)

The parable of the rich man, and the beggar Lazarus, is an excellent example of God lifting up the lowly. (Luke 16:19-31) This contrast can also be seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), and the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee in the Temple praying. Jesus concludes this parable saying, “I tell you, this man (tax collector) went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14 NRSV).

Finally, the barren woman in the psalm (v.9) finds fulfillment in the miraculous pregnancies of Elizabeth and Mary. (Luke 1:11-17 and 26-38).

There is a great tendency in our culture to think in terms of, “What have you done for me lately?” We can guard against our cultural values influencing our prayers by turning to the Scriptures, such as Psalm 113 and the Gospel of Luke, to help us pray. We don’t have to worry about thanking God too often for all He accomplished for us through John the Baptist, and our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

These meditations are available by email. Contact me at Amkrom812@gmail.com to be added to the email list.

This BLOG is also available on Amazon Kindle, by subscription

Reading for August 23, 2012      Psalm 114