Psalms 113-114

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

A Transcendent and Immanent God, Who Dwells With His People

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BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God is both transcendent and immanent.

  2. The Lord delivers and dwells with His people.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t give up hope.

  2. Don’t miss the spiritual lessons in the miracles.

QUESTIONS

  1. Psalm 113 begins what subsection of psalms?

  2. Explain the words “transcendent” and “immanent.”

  3. Describe the false views of God in Deism and Pantheism.

  4. Explain how Psalm 114 has both historical and prophetic aspects.

  5. Why did God deliver His people from Egypt?

ANSWERS

  1. Psalm 113-118 are a collection of psalms called the Egyptian Hallel or Hymn of Praise. These psalms of praise were sung at Jewish feast days, Psalms 113 and 114 traditionally before the Passover meal and Psalms 115-118 after the meal.

  2. Transcendent means that God is far above His creation; He is greater than the creation and independent of it. Immanent speaks of God’s involvement in creation; He is not abstract or removed from His people.

  3. Deism teaches that God is removed from His creation, as if He “wound up a watch” and let it go. Pantheism describes God as part of creation – all is one and one is God. Both of these views can be combated with Psalm 113.

  4. Psalm 114 is about Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, and thus was sung at Passover. It was also a prophetic psalm that looks forward to restored Israel in the future, when the Lord will dwell in the midst of His people in His earthly millennial kingdom.

  5. So that He could dwell in their midst.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Review the concepts of transcendence and immanence. Which is most meaningful to you at this point of your Christian life?

  2. The Children of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt and Wanderings in the Wilderness are full of spiritual pictures. Discuss a few of your favorites.

CHALLENGE

  1. Because our transcendent God is also immanent He can work things out within His creation. He knows, cares, and has good plans for you.

KEY VERSES

  • “The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.” Psalm 113:4

  • “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.” Psalm 114:7

Psalms, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsPsalms 113-114