Cushion Spurge Sings Praise to Yahweh (Psalm 113)

When I initially look at the cushion spurge (Euphorbia polychroma), the brilliant yellow clusters remind me of the sun in its fullness. Even though this photo was taken in the early morning, the abundance of golden hues fill the spectrum. Contrasted to the browns and greens that provide a backdrop to any landscape, these bright groupings draw attention to themselves.

Beyond the initial look, a closer look at the clusters reveal a more fascinating aspect of this flower: many are in groups of five. Not all have five, but many.

For those that look into the meaning of numbers in the Scriptures, five is the number of grace. That is why Psalm 113 was selected for this flower. Yahweh raises the poor and lifts the needy; He gives help to the childless woman. Positions are changed, not because we deserve it, but because He is Yahweh!

Psalm 113:1-9 (HCSB):

¹ Hallelujah! Give praise, servants of Yahweh; praise the name of Yahweh.
² Let the name of Yahweh be praised both now and forever.
³ From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of Yahweh be praised.
⁴ Yahweh is exalted above all the nations, His glory above the heavens.
⁵ Who is like Yahweh our God — the One enthroned on high,
⁶ who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?
⁷ He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the garbage pile
⁸ in order to seat them with nobles — with the nobles of His people.
⁹ He gives the childless woman a household, making her the joyful mother of children.
Hallelujah!

This Psalm points to our need – without Yahweh, we are all needy. Yahweh is the grace giver, not because we are entitled to it, but because of who He is.