What happensPermalink
This psalm celebrates God’s special care for His people. The God before whom seas flee and mountains tremble nonetheless chooses the tiny family of Jacob, delivering them from Egypt, making them His holy nation, providing for them in the wilderness, and leading them into the Promised Land.
Why it mattersPermalink
This psalm recalls the major formative events in Israel’s history: Jacob’s descent into and exodus from Egypt (v.1), the crossing of the Jordan (vv.3,5), the covenant at Sinai (v.2), water from the rock in the wilderness (v.8), and perhaps even the conquest of Canaan (v.7). These acts of power and mercy offer enduring confidence to God’s people.
Key versePermalink
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.