Why, mountains, did you leap like rams, you hills, like lambs? Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water.

Psalm 114:6-8

Psalm 114 is a beautiful Hebrew poem. Verses 1 and 2 corresponding to verses 7 and 8, and verses 3 and 4 directly reflecting verses 5 and 6. By turning the statements in verses 3 and 4 into questions in verses 5 and 6, the psalm ascends to a poetic climax in verse 7: the earth should tremble at the presence of the Lord.

The purpose of the song is to commemorate the presence of the Lord with Israel. It is something that holds utmost importance – even the created order trembles in fear. The presence of the Lord with Israel is one of the greatest blessings given. The psalmist reminds Israel that the presence of the Lord has been with them through the exodus and the settlement in the land of Israel. The corresponding verses 1 and 8, remind Israel that God has been with them in the fiery pillar, at Sinai and within the temple in Jerusalem. The word for presence in Hebrew literally means ‘face to face.’ For Christians, that promise is continued in the person of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. Jesus is the part of the Godhead whom humans met with face to face. God’s presence is promised to every Christian believer in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God never leaves us, and his presence is always with us. Hallelujah!

CLOSING PRAYER

Almighty God, from the beginning of time, you have not only been present, you have shown your power and care. No matter what I face, help me to remember that your presence always surrounds me and that in Christ, your Spirit dwells in me.

(Edited from Encounter with God)