Psalms 113:1

Psalms 113:1 opens with a powerful and direct command to worship, setting the tone for the entire psalm and indeed, the series of Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118) that follow. It's a foundational call for all who belong to God to engage in heartfelt praise.

Context

Psalm 113 is the first of the Egyptian Hallel psalms, traditionally sung by Jews during major festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. These psalms often recount God's mighty acts of salvation, particularly the Exodus from Egypt. This opening verse serves as an invocation, gathering the community to acknowledge God's greatness before delving into His specific attributes and actions. It's a universal call to worship, inviting all who are His to participate.

Key Themes

• The Call to Praise: The verse is an emphatic summons to praise. The repetition of "Praise ye the LORD" underscores its importance, making it a central theme of the psalm.
• Servants of the LORD: The specific address "O ye servants of the LORD" identifies the target audience for this praise. This refers to those who are devoted to God, who acknowledge His sovereignty and serve His purposes. It highlights a relationship of allegiance and worship.
• The Name of the LORD: Praising "the name of the LORD" is not merely uttering a word, but recognizing and glorifying God's revealed character, His attributes, and His power. In biblical thought, the 'name' encapsulates the very essence of a person.

Linguistic Insights

The opening phrase, "Praise ye the LORD," is the Hebrew word Hallelujah (הַלְלוּיָהּ), which literally means "Praise Yah" or "Praise the LORD." This iconic word is a direct command to praise God and appears frequently throughout the Psalms, often at the beginning or end of a composition. The term "servants of the LORD" (Avdei Yahweh) emphasizes a relationship of devotion and obedience, foundational to true worship. Praising the "name of the LORD" signifies acknowledging His entire being and reputation, not just a label.

Related Scriptures

The concept of praising the LORD is ubiquitous in the Psalms. For instance, Psalm 150:6 famously declares, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD." The idea of God's people as "servants of the LORD" is also a recurring theme, seen in verses like Psalm 105:6, which identifies Abraham's descendants as His chosen servants. The importance of God's name is also highlighted in Psalm 7:17, where the psalmist vows to praise the LORD according to His righteousness and sing praise to His name.

Practical Application

Psalms 113:1 serves as a timeless reminder that praise is not an option but a duty and a privilege for all who call themselves God's servants. It encourages believers to actively and intentionally engage in worship, not just with words, but by recognizing God's character and mighty deeds. Living a life of praise involves acknowledging His sovereignty in all circumstances and proclaiming His goodness to others, reinforcing our identity as a peculiar people called to show forth His praises.