5When God went out against Egypt, he established it as a statute for Joseph. I heard an unknown voice say:
6"I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket.
7In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
8Hear me, my people, and I will warn you— if you would only listen to me, Israel!
9You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not worship any god other than me.
10I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.
11"But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. - P132
The psalmist calls God‘s people to rejoice in Him, recalling His deliverancefrom Egypt. God‘s people are to listen and worship Him alone but they refuse,
following their own ways instead. God laments their disobedience, longing tobless them with victory. - P137
The psalm ends with a promise that if God‘s people
return to Him, He will protect them and provide for them abundantly. - P137
This psalm expresses God’s desire for His people to joyfully worship Him. These praises are not timid. The people are exhorted to sing for joy to the God who is their strength and to shout aloud to Him. The music comes from many instruments including some that they strike and blast during festivals. - P138
Like the nation of Israel, we should also celebrate God because He has saved His people. The immediate context of this psalm is about a people being saved from slavery in Egypt, but we have even greater reason to celebrate because of the salvation achieved through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Let us joyfully celebrate the Lord with all our might, with joyous praises of thanksgiving! - P138
God continues to speak to His people. After He reminds Israel of Hisdeliverance, warnings, and commands, God then tells His people of howthey have neglected Him. In the rest of the psalm, there is a strong emphasis on listening. - P138
If we simply listen to God and obey Him, He is quick torescue and restore us. Let us not make the same mistakes that His peoplemade in the past. - P138
Let us not live day by day ignoring God. Rather, let uslisten to Him by reading and obeying the life-giving commands He hasprovided in Scripture. - P138
Sometimes, God‘s commands may seem restrictiveor undesirable, but following them pleases the Lord, protects us, and fuelsour love for Him. - P138
Christian obedience is an obedience from the inside out, not from the outside in."
- Joe Rigney - P138
Dear God, You are what brings me joy. Even when I feel discouraged and disappointed, You remain the joy of my salvation. - P139
Open my ears so that I may hear You. Help me listen to and obey Your wonderful decrees. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P139
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