Psalms113

Psalms 113 is a fervent call to praise the LORD's name from all His servants, continually and universally. It extols God's transcendent greatness, noting His position high above all nations and heavens. Yet, it also highlights His humble condescension to observe earthly affairs and His compassionate power to uplift the poor, the needy, and to bless the barren with children.

Call to Universal and Eternal Praise

1
Praise the LORD! Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the LORD’s name. ​
2
Blessed be the LORD’s name, from this time forward and forever more.
3
From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, The LORD’s name is to be praised. ​

God's Incomparable Majesty and Transcendence

4
The LORD is high above all nations, his glory above the heavens.
5
Who is like the LORD, our God, who has his seat on high, ​
6
Who stoops down to see in heaven and in the earth? ​

God's Condescension and Care for the Marginalized

7
He raises up the poor out of the dust. Lifts up the needy from the ash heap; ​
8
that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
9
He settles the barren woman in her home, as a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD! ​

Study Notes for Psalms 113

Verse 1

This psalm is the first of the Hallel Psalms (113–118), traditionally recited liturgically during the major Jewish feasts, especially Passover. The command to praise is specifically directed toward the 'servants of the LORD,' the community of faith.

Verse 3

This verse establishes the scope of praise as universal and perpetual, spanning all time and space, from sunrise to sunset, reflecting God's sovereignty over the entire created order.

Verse 5

This rhetorical question emphasizes the incomparable nature of Yahweh. Though He is exalted, dwelling on high, this transcendence is immediately contrasted with His willingness to observe the world below.

Verse 6

The key theological concept here is divine condescension (Hebrew *mashpil*, 'who humbles Himself'). God, though infinitely exalted above the cosmos, chooses to stoop down and notice the affairs of heaven and earth.

Verse 7

This section demonstrates God's active involvement in social justice, highlighting His preference for reversal of fortune for the poorest and most marginalized. This imagery echoes the Song of Hannah (1 Sam 2:8), emphasizing covenant faithfulness.

Verse 9

The final example of divine reversal is granting life and status to the barren woman, a powerful indicator of God’s ability to overcome biological limitations and societal shame. This passage concludes the psalm by returning to the opening call for praise.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options