Translations
Original
Notes
Where is their God?: People question God's presence or power when he does not act as they expect (compare Psalms 14:1; 42:3, 10). However, God is in the heavens. He has all power, authority, and knowledge. He does as he wishes, not what people think he should do. He carries out his plans according to his will (Ephesians 1:11) and acts in his own time and ways.
The community confesses their faith that God will rescue them for the glory of his name.
This is a song of thanksgiving for God's blessings. The community gives all glory to the Lord, the true source of hope and blessing. Those who trust in idols feel great disappointment. The Creator's blessing extends to future generations (Psalm 115:14), especially to the priests (115:12).
These psalms are called the Egyptian Hallel. Hallel means “praise.” Jewish people use these psalms during Passover, which began when God brought Israel out of Egypt in the exodus. The people recite Psalms 113–114 before the Passover meal, and Psalms 115–118 are recited afterward.
The word Hallelujah! is repeated throughout this group of psalms.
Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility God’s Inscrutable Purposes in History
Parallels
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hallel Hallelujah Monotheism Music Psalms, Book of
Topics
God: Power of God: Sovereign Luck Praying for the Sick Sovereignty The Jews: The Only People Who Worshipped God