Psalm 114:5-6

Psalm 114:5-6

Why, oh why, oh why

Four questions here that, at first sight, are somewhat puzzling: 

1.     Why was it, sea, that you fled?

2.     Why, Jordan, did you turn back?

3.     Why, mountains, did you leap like rams?

4.     Why, … you hills like lambs?

What is the explanation for this behaviour? Why was it that these geological or topographical features, that were normally dependable and intransigent, started to behave in irrational and unpredictable ways? What happened to them? What was it that made them perform in this manner? One translation suggests that the question being asked was, “What ailed you, O you sea, that you fled? …..”

Thus far, in this Psalm, we have not read of the One who was behind these events although, of course, we know it was the Lord. Verse 7 will give us the answers but for now let us imagine ourselves as ignorant observers witnessing these happenings, for that is the position of the godless, unbelieving nations watching on. There must have been many eyewitnesses who asked the same questions that are being asked here, and they had no explanations.

Nothing has changed. God is still working in our world , He performs miracles, He dramatically intervenes and changes situations, He answers the heart-felt prayers of His people in amazing ways. And the best that the unbelieving can do is to stand on the sidelines and ask “Why?” Take that one step further and all of modern science is devoted to asking this question, “Why?” And those of us who may be unlearned or lacking the desire to question it all may simply reply, “It’s not why, but who!” Hallelujah! 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 106:13

Psalm 106:13 Do not forget We need to remember that Israel’s relationship with the Lord God was based on His laws and their obedience. It was possible for them to live lives that were highly blessed, that incorporated the provision of God in every tiny detail of their national and individual existence. God was prepared to give them everything they needed, He would provide food and water for them and their flocks. He would guide them on their journey. He would protect them from their enemies. He would inspire and direct their leaders. He would keep them from the heat of the sun and the terrors of the desert night. He would take them to the land that He had promised, in double quick time. There was no reason why they could not be in situ in just a few months. Everything they could possibly need was His to provide and He was willing to sacrifice anything to see them gratefully settled in Canaan.  There was just one snag, it all depended upon their obedience and faithfulness. God insisted
Read more

Psalm 51:4

Psalm 51:4 Deliberate sin In Genesis 20 we read the story of Abimelek and Abraham. The latter had passed off his wife Sarah as his sister and Abimelek had taken her with a view to her becoming his wife. The relationship was not consummated, and the Lord used a dream to reveal to Abimelek just what was going on. The insulted king pleaded innocence,  “I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands ” he said, to the Lord. And God agreed,  “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me.”  This is a big subject but there is clearly a difference between sinful intentions and deeds where the participant knows that he/she is doing wrong, and those occasions where an action is carried out in innocence.  David knew all along that every detail of his relationship with Bathsheba was sinful, as were his actions in the cover-up. Therefore, he sinned against the Lord God and broke the commandments which said that  “You shall not commit adul
Read more

Psalm 57:8

Psalm 57:8 Awake my soul! This verse calls on three different elements to wake up! It follows on from the previous statement that David intends to sing and make music. We can imagine him opening his eyes one morning and all is silent and dark. The first birds have not yet started to sing, and the eastern sky is not yet pink. In contrast to the days of despair and defeat David is ready for this day and he is going to celebrate. He may be living in a gloomy, dank cave but hope is at hand, God is with him and he will triumph over his enemies. Maybe some of his companions got a shock that morning as their leader launched his early morning praise assault on the kingdoms of darkness! ·        Awake my soul. ·        Awake, harp and lyre. ·        Awake – the dawn. Sometimes we have to address the inner man and let our minds take control of our emotions and our desires. The negatives can be defeated, the whispering doubts can be silenced, the tide of fear and trepidation can be driven back. A
Read more