Psalm 114: Tremble Before the Lord

Psalm 114: Tremble Before the Lord

"Judah became God's sanctuary, Israel his dominion." (verse 2)

The psalmist offers praise and thanksgiving to God, declaring that all creation should tremble and praise before Him. 

In beautiful and majestic verse, he recounts how the Israelites transformed from slaves to free people, how those who had no place to call their own became masters of a land flowing with milk and honey.

The sea and the Jordan River drew back of their own accord before Israel, making way for their passage. This wasn't for Israel's sake, but for the Lord God's presence.

God shook both the mighty mountains and humble hills, making all the earth skip like lambs (Exodus 19:18). Then He gave them His commandments, showing them how to live according to His will.

The Lord God transformed the Israelites from slaves into free people, made them owners of the land, and shaped them into God's people who would live righteously. He taught them His laws and showed them how to practice love and justice. Judah, once enslaved, became God's sanctuary; Israel, once in bondage, became His kingdom.

This same God, through Jesus Christ, gave His Son to free us who live as slaves to sin, desire, and delusion. He has liberated us and made us children of God.

This is why we must tremble before the Lord God. This is why we must stand in awe of Him.

Prayer: Gracious and mighty God, let us always stand before You with reverent fear and trembling. Keep us forever thankful, humble, and faithful. Holy Spirit, guide us in truth. Amen.