1 Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.
2 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his miracles.
3 Exult in his holy name; O worshipers of the LORD, rejoice!
4 Search for the LORD and for his strength, and keep on searching.
5 Think of the wonderful works he has done, the miracles and the judgments he handed down,
6 O children of Abraham, God's servant, O descendants of Jacob, God's chosen one.
7 He is the LORD our God. His rule is seen throughout the land.
8 He always stands by his covenant-- the commitment he made to a thousand generations.
9 This is the covenant he made with Abraham and the oath he swore to Isaac.
10 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to the people of Israel as a never-ending treaty:
11 "I will give you the land of Canaan as your special possession."
12 He said this when they were few in number, a tiny group of strangers in Canaan.
13 They wandered back and forth between nations, from one kingdom to another.
14 Yet he did not let anyone oppress them. He warned kings on their behalf:
15 "Do not touch these people I have chosen, and do not hurt my prophets."
16 He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off its food supply.
17 Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them-- Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
18 There in prison, they bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.
19 Until the time came to fulfill his word, the LORD tested Joseph's character.
20 Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door.
:21 Joseph was put in charge of all the king's household; he became ruler over all the king's possessions.
22 He could instruct the king's aides as he pleased and teach the king's advisers.
23 Then Israel arrived in Egypt; Jacob lived as a foreigner in the land of Ham.
24 And the LORD multiplied the people of Israel until they became too mighty for their enemies.
25 Then he turned the Egyptians against the Israelites, and they plotted against the LORD's servants.
(Cont. tomorrow)
This historical Psalm recounts the Lord's wonderful workings with His people, Israel. The covenant made with Abraham, mentioned in verses 8 and 9, included a promise for all people, in all generations who would call upon the name of the Lord.
We find this promise given to Abraham in Genesis 22:18, "...and through your descendants, all the nations of the earth will be blessed--all because you have obeyed me."
In the New Testament from the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Galatia, we learn how all this applies to Christians. "And so it is: All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith" (Gal. 3:14).
God directs the course of His-story to fulfill His wonderful purposes, for His glory!
Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored.
May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven.
Give us our food for today, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Amen!
