The Shadows Flee Away

Psalm 107‑150  •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 5
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The last book of the Psalms begins with, "O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever."
When the remnant are settled in their land they can reminisce, as in Psa. 107, "He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
The Lord had said, "I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offense, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early."
Israel will have confessed their sins. This is the fruit of mercy to Israel-truth in the inward parts.
Psa. 119 is the expression of the renewed heart of the nation as they will confess in verse 176, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Thy servant; for I do not forget Thy commandments." The Word of God seems to be settled as the basis of action.
Directly following are the fifteen Psalms of degrees, as the nation remembers the way that the Lord led them.
Psa. 120-134
May it be so with us as well, lifting the soul by fifteen steps, from the low estate to the place of the sanctuary, there to abide in praise.
"I love the LORD."
"I was brought low, and He helped me."
"Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee."
"And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And He said Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had" (Luke 21:2-42And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. (Luke 21:2‑4)).
If a diamond is to be displayed, a black or blue background would be appropriate. In the three verses preceding this gem of Scripture, we have the dark moral background-proud, religious leaders.
Most fitly this gem stands out; how it glitters as it reflects the light now cast upon it. Here is a widow who cast all into the treasury. She holds nothing back, not even her living. Hers was a voluntary offering. Why should she hold back? Is it not the property of the husband to provide? She has found her husband, long estranged, now consciously at hand. The recovery of the backslidden virgin daughter of Israel is complete. "And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call Me Ishi [my husband]; and shalt call Me no more Baali."
The last five Psalms begin and end with "Praise ye the Lord" (Hallelujah).
"Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."
Surely we, the church, can join with the returning Israel, as they learn in the heart to turn from all idols to praise their Jehovah. Yea, is it not so in Rev. 5:1313And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:13) when the heavens and earth swell with heartfelt praise crying hallelujah 'to the Lamb and to God Almighty. Amen.
The lessons in the Psalms are the same for us as for Israel.
The three steps of repentance, Psa. 25;51;130, are those which all of wisdom's children tread.
Likewise, it is tribulation that worketh patience and then hope.
"The crafty foe may further thin
Our ranks if left down here;
Fightings without and fears within'
Draw forth the sigh and tear.
Yet, Lord, on Thee we may depend,
Though of all else bereft,
For Thou wilt graciously defend
The remnant that is left."
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