In this Psalm, Israel is celebrating the completion of God’s Temple and rejoicing that His presence is dwelling with them. In 2 Chronicles 7, we learn that Israel celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the Festival of Shelters for seven days. The priests sang: “His faithful love endures forever”. In this great season of celebration, music spilled from their hearts.

As I paused to imagine this type of joy, I had a memory from my childhood. One summer day, when I was a young girl, I was sitting outside my grandmother’s house in North Dakota. I looked up to see my uncle walking towards the house. His feet were almost off the ground, he was sort of skipping and was making a joyful sound. He had the happiest news. His daughter, Amy, had just been born. He could not contain his happiness.

I imagine the happiness that Israel was experiencing during this season was like my uncle, times 100. The Lord’s presence filled them with love and confidence and they couldn’t stop expressing joy.

Sing for joy to the LORD, all the earth; praise him with songs and shouts of joy! Psalm 98:4

See you tomorrow for Psalm 99

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