From the Ash Heap to the Palace - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes.
Psalm 113:7-8

From the Ash Heap to the Palace
The text quoted for today's meditation is found in Psalm 113, but it is also found, almost word for word, in 1 Samuel 2:8. There it is the thanksgiving prayer of Hannah upon her realizing that Jehovah heard her request for a son. It is believed that the psalmist is actually quoting Hannah; however, in her prayer she also adds, concerning the needy and the beggars, that God will "make them inherit the throne of glory."

This is a wonderful truth and is really core to the overall message of the gospel. There are two main messages of the Bible when looked at as a whole. Firstly, it is the history of man, a faithful record of man's sin and rebellion against God. Secondly, it is the revelation of God's purpose in Christ; the unfolding plan of redemption of fallen man, but more importantly, the glory of God as revealed in Christ. Wonderful message of God's love and grace to sinners!

The imagery found both in the psalm and in Hannah's prayer is lovely. In many large cities of the world, in countries where there is widespread poverty, one can see the poor on top of the city garbage heap seeking either food or a meager living. In this prayer, the needy was lifted from the ash heap, from the pit of degradation. However, it is not just being lifted out of the ash heap, which would indeed be mercy, but God goes beyond this: He seats the sinner with princes. He brings poor sinners into the company of the saints, "that they may receive an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me" (Acts 26:18). And not only this, but He makes "them inherit the throne of glory" (1 Sam. 2:8). We are blessed "in the heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). This is more than mercy, this is grace. Let us praise and worship Him!

Brian Reynolds