November 24
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GOD THE PROVIDER
God, when You went forth before Your people,
When You marched through the desert,
8 The earth quaked; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God;
Sinai itself quaked at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 You made plentiful rain fall, God;
You confirmed Your inheritance when it was parched.
10 Your creatures settled in it;
In Your kindness You provided for the poor, God.
1 The Lord gives the command;
The women who proclaim good news are a great army:
12 “Kings of armies flee, they flee,
And she who remains at home will divide the spoils!”- Psalm 68:7-12
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Enduringword.com comments on this psalm: David continued his thoughts on God’s presence with and care for Israel through the wilderness on the way to Canaan. You went out before Your people emphasizes the idea that God was with Israel; He did not abandon them despite the many ways they provoked Him. Spurgeon comments “We may speak, if we will, of the ‘wanderings of the children of Israel,’ but we must not think them purposeless strayings; they were in reality a well-arranged and well considered march.” Verse 8 says that the earth quaked As God was with Israel in the wilderness, they were protected. His might was on their side. No other nation could defeat them when they walked with God. Verse 9 mentions that as God was with Israel in the wilderness they were provided for. They would never suffer hunger or thirst as they walked in God’s presence. As part of that provision, God sent them a plentiful rain in a needy time. This care for them was a way God confirmed the special place Israel had in His heart and plan. They were His inheritance.“ Kidner says that verse 8’s allusion to Sinai is from the Song of Deborah in Judges 4:8. According to Horne for verse 12: Thus, in the spiritual war, apostles, confessors, and martyrs went out to the battle, fought and conquered…the benefits of victory extended to thousands and millions, who, without being exposed to their conflicts and torments, have enjoyed the fruit of their labours.” This psalm praises the Lord and give thanks for all His provision to His people.
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REFLECTION
• Why is praising the Lord and thanking Him important in our lives?