When Israel emerged from Egypt, Jacob’s household departed from a foreign nation (Psalm 112:1). Judah became His holy place, and Israel His dominion (Psalm 112:2). At that time, the sea fled, and the Jordan turned back (Psalm 112:3). Let us not think that these historical events are merely recounting the past; they also foreshadow future realities. Though these miracles occurred in ancient Israel, they signify ongoing present truths and future promise. Some details differ from what we have learned: we do not read of the Jordan being reversed but rather held back near its source as the people crossed. Moreover, we do not read of mountains leaping as he suggests; this embellishment reinforces the imagery he presents. He states, "The sea saw it and fled; the Jordan turned back," and elaborates that "the mountains leaped like rams" while asking rhetorically what is the cause of this wonder (Psalm 113:4-6).
Thus, we must consider what is being taught here, as both the historical events and these words invite us to recognize our own identity. If we hold firmly to the grace bestowed upon us, we are truly Israel, the descendants of Abraham, as the Apostle affirms, "Therefore you are Abraham's seed." Let no Christian consider himself outside the identity of Israel, for we are joined with the faithful Jews from whom the chief apostles emerged. Our Lord also declares, "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them in, so there will be one flock and one Shepherd" (John 10:16). Therefore, the Christian community can rightfully be seen as Israel, the true house of Jacob, while those among the multitude who betrayed their heritage sacrificed it for earthly desires, aligning themselves, regrettably, with Esau instead.
Egypt often symbolizes suffering or oppression, representing this worldly existence from which we must spiritually detach ourselves to avoid sharing in the burdens of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Thus, each person becomes a worthy citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem by first renouncing the world, just as the Israelites could not enter the promised land until they first left Egypt—and they could not escape without Divine assistance. Just as these historical types are fulfilled in the lives of faithful believers through the daily struggles of the Church in this age, the Apostle Paul warns, "I do not wish, brethren, to leave you uninformed that our ancestors were all under the cloud and passed through the sea; they were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea and all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink" (1 Corinthians 10:1-6). The fullness of this teaching reveals that what once was a shadow is now realized in our salvation; the future hope foretold then was made known, while the past is now read and present realities perceived.
Moreover, marvelously, the veiled secrets of ancient scriptures are being unveiled. The prophet Micah proclaims, "In the days of your going out of Egypt, I will show him wonders." Thus, even as this psalm looks ahead, it might also seem to recount past events. The description of Judah as His sanctuary, the fleeing sea, and the receding Jordan expresses historical action; yet, through these past-tense words, the future can also be discerned. For though much time has elapsed since that exodus, the testimony bears forth a foreshadowing of future events: "In the days of your coming out of the land of Egypt, I will show him wonders. The nations shall see and be put to shame." Hence, if within the narrative of historical events the future is subtly disclosed, who would dare to misconstrue "shall see and be confounded" as retrospect? Further, he alludes more directly to our adversaries, symbolized as the Egyptians, who pursued and sought our demise—our sins—which are drowned in the waters of baptism. We are assured that He will mercifully turn to us, casting our iniquities into the deepest sea.
What does this all mean for you, beloved? If you identify as Israelites through Abraham's lineage and as heirs according to the promise, recognize that you too have left Egypt, having renounced worldly desires. You have separated yourselves from foreign nations by professing godliness. It is not those whose mouths are closed who praise God, but those who declare Hallelujah! Judah is made His sanctuary within you; true identity lies not in outward appearance or physical circumcision, but rather in the inner transformation of the heart (Romans 2:28-29). Therefore, examine your hearts to see if faith has truly transformed them, for in you Judah has become His sacred space, and Israel His domain, granting you the privilege of becoming children of God (John 1:12).
Yet, take care not to turn away as the Jordan did, and let your heart not foreshadow anything contrary to your calling. The Lord rebukes those who turn their backs and not toward Him (Jeremiah 2:27). Each one who forsakes the source of their being and turns from their Creator risks being swept back into the bitter ways of this world. Instead, it is beneficial to return, facing the God you once regarded as behind you, so that the world, which you previously put before you, comes behind, allowing you to forget what is left behind and pursue what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13).
Tremble, O earth, before the Lord, before the God of Jacob (Psalm 113:7). What does it mean to be in His presence, but to recognize the One who reassures us, "Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:30)? The earth indeed trembles—yet in your apathy, remain receptive to His presence, for it strengthens you in the face of the Lord.
He transforms solid rock into a flowing stream and flint into springs of water (Psalm 113:8). Having humbled Himself, He quenches the thirst of believers, becoming in them a flowing spring of water leading to eternal life (John 4:14). Initially, in His unfathomable nature, He appeared rigid; many exclaimed, "This is a hard saying; who can hear it?" (John 6:60) and faltered, failing to await His revelation as the Scriptures unfolded. That rock, once perceived as of stone, became the source of life-giving water at His resurrection, as He explained to His disciples how the Christ must suffer beginning with Moses and throughout the prophets (Luke 24:26-27), and sent forth the Holy Spirit, proclaiming, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink" (John 7:37).
THEOSIS