Psalms 113:1

KJV

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}. Praise {H1984}, O ye servants {H5650} of the LORD {H3068}, praise {H1984} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Halleluyah! Servants of ADONAI, give praise! Give praise to the name of ADONAI!

Berean Standard Bible

Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Praise ye Jehovah. Praise, O ye servants of Jehovah, Praise the name of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 113:1 serves as a vibrant and direct summons to worship, inaugurating the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118) with an emphatic, threefold call for God's devoted people to offer heartfelt praise. This foundational verse establishes the overarching theme of the entire psalm, urging all who serve the Lord to acknowledge and glorify His revealed character, majestic power, and compassionate nature, thereby setting a tone of joyous and reverent adoration for the subsequent recounting of His mighty deeds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 113:1 stands as the emphatic opening of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a distinct and highly significant collection of psalms within the Psalter. Its placement at the very beginning of this liturgical unit immediately sets a communal tone, serving as an urgent invitation to worship. The repetition of the imperative "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah) three times within this single verse is a powerful rhetorical device, underscoring the non-negotiable importance of praise and preparing the hearts of the worshippers for the theological truths that follow. This initial summons acts as a spiritual gateway, drawing the audience into a posture of adoration before the psalm recounts God's transcendence and His compassionate condescension to the humble.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Hallel psalms were deeply embedded in the liturgical life of ancient Israel, particularly during the three major pilgrimage festivals: Passover, Pentecost (Shavuot), and Tabernacles (Sukkot). The call to praise in Psalms 113:1 would have resonated profoundly with a people whose identity was forged in God's miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. During the Passover Seder, these psalms were sung to commemorate this pivotal act of redemption, making the command to praise a living remembrance of divine salvation. The phrase "servants of the LORD" (`‘avdei Yahweh`) was a cherished designation for the covenant people of Israel, signifying their unique relationship with Yahweh, their chosenness, and their commitment to His service. Thus, the psalm's opening was a call to the redeemed community to celebrate their Deliverer.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several profound themes that permeate Psalms 113 and the broader Hallel collection. Firstly, it establishes **the imperative of praise**, emphasizing that worship is not merely an emotional response but a divinely commanded duty and a profound privilege for God's people. The insistent repetition highlights the urgency and centrality of active, intentional adoration. Secondly, it defines **the identity of the worshippers** as "servants of the LORD," signifying a covenantal relationship characterized by devotion, allegiance, and obedience to God, echoing the call to Israel to serve Him alone found in [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Deuteronomy 6:13 - Fear the LORD and Serve Him"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the significance of **praising "the name of the LORD."** In biblical thought, God's "name" encapsulates His entire revealed character, His attributes, His authority, and His reputation, not just a label. To praise His name is to acknowledge His holiness, omnipotence, justice, and steadfast love, as beautifully articulated when God proclaims His own name to Moses in [Exodus 34:5-7](/exodus/34-5 "Exodus 34:5-7 - God Proclaims His Name and Attributes"). These interwoven themes collectively set the stage for a psalm that celebrates both God's majestic transcendence and His tender, condescending care for the lowly.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, a primitive root, meaning to be clear (originally of sound, but often of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast. Causatively, it means to celebrate, to give light, or to praise. In this context, it is an imperative, a direct command to a plural audience, emphasizing an active, communal act of adoration and glorification of God. It signifies a joyful, enthusiastic, and often public acknowledgment of God's greatness, worthiness, and splendor.
* **servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From H5650, this term denotes more than mere employees; it implies a profound relationship of devoted service, allegiance, and humble submission. In the biblical context, "servants of the LORD" refers to those who belong to God, are committed to His will, and are called to carry out His purposes. It speaks to a covenantal relationship, highlighting the identity of those redeemed by God as His peculiar possession, bound to Him by loyalty and love.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, a primitive word signifying an appellation, a mark or memorial of individuality. By implication, it conveys honor, authority, and character. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a name was not just an identifier but represented the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of an individual. To praise "the name of the LORD" is to praise His entire revealed being—His attributes (holiness, power, faithfulness, love), His deeds, and His very nature—acknowledging His unique, sovereign, and holy identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Praise ye the LORD."**: This opening phrase, a direct translation of "Hallelujah" (Praise Yah), serves as a powerful, direct, and communal imperative. It immediately sets the tone for the entire psalm, summoning all who hear to engage in the act of worship, highlighting God's supreme worthiness of adoration. The KJV's paragraph marker (¶) often signifies a new section or a foundational declaration, emphasizing this as a pivotal call to worship.
* **"Praise, O ye servants of the LORD,"**: This clause reiterates the command to praise but specifically addresses the intended audience: "O ye servants of the LORD." This is not a universal call to all humanity, but a particular summons to those who are in a covenant relationship with God, those who have committed themselves to His service and acknowledge His sovereignty. It underscores that praise is a distinguishing mark and a sacred duty of His devoted people.
* **"praise the name of the LORD."**: The final repetition of the command specifies the object and nature of praise: "the name of the LORD." This is far more profound than simply uttering a word; it means to glorify God's entire revealed character, His attributes, His power, and His reputation as manifested in His acts of creation, redemption, and sustenance. It is an invitation to acknowledge and celebrate who God is in His essence and in His mighty deeds, recognizing His unique and holy identity as the self-existent God (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068).

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 113:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent and emphatic message. **Repetition** is prominently featured, with the imperative "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah) appearing three times within this single verse. This emphatic repetition serves to underscore the paramount importance and urgency of praise, driving the command deeply into the listener's consciousness and ensuring that the central message is unmistakable. It creates a powerful rhythmic and rhetorical effect, setting a tone of insistent adoration. Additionally, the verse utilizes **Apostrophe**, directly addressing "O ye servants of the LORD." This direct address makes the command personal and immediate, drawing the specific audience into the act of worship and emphasizing their particular responsibility and privilege in offering praise. The structure also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the initial general command ("Praise ye the LORD") is then specified and intensified for a particular group and object of praise ("Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD"). This progression moves from a broad summons to a focused, deeply theological directive, enriching the call to worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 113:1 establishes praise as a fundamental and distinguishing characteristic of God's people, not merely an emotional outburst but a theological declaration rooted in identity. It asserts that worship is intrinsically linked to being a "servant of the LORD," recognizing that one's existence and purpose are intertwined with glorifying the Creator and Redeemer. This verse sets the theological stage for the Hallel psalms' unfolding narrative of God's transcendence and His condescending care for the humble, demonstrating that true praise arises from both an awe of His majestic sovereignty and a grateful heart for His merciful intervention in human history. It profoundly reminds us that our primary response to God's revealed character and mighty deeds should be one of adoration, proclamation, and ceaseless thanksgiving.

* [Psalms 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalm 150:6 - Universal Call to Praise")
* [Revelation 19:5](/revelation/19-5 "Revelation 19:5 - Call to Praise from the Throne")
* [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - A People Formed to Proclaim God's Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 113:1 issues a timeless and universal summons to all who claim to be God's servants: to praise the LORD, to praise His very name. This is not a passive suggestion but an active, intentional command to engage our hearts, minds, and voices in adoration. In a world that often seeks to praise human achievement, fleeting pleasures, or self-aggrandizement, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze to the one true God, reminding us that He alone is worthy of ultimate honor, glory, and worship. Our identity as "servants of the LORD" implies a life lived in devotion and obedience, where praise becomes the natural overflow of a heart transformed by His grace and sustained by His faithfulness. It challenges us to consider if our lives truly reflect this foundational call to worship, not just in moments of corporate gathering, but in every aspect of our daily existence, acknowledging His sovereignty, goodness, and redemptive work in all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me, personally, to embody the identity of a "servant of the LORD" in my daily life and choices?**
* **How does praising "the name of the LORD" (His revealed character and attributes) deepen my understanding and experience of worship beyond mere emotional expression?**
* **In what practical and intentional ways can I cultivate a more consistent and heartfelt posture of praise, both individually in my quiet moments and communally with other believers?**
* **How does my growing comprehension of God's multifaceted character (His "name") directly impact my capacity and desire to offer Him the praise He is due?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the repetition of "Praise ye the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: The threefold repetition of "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah) within Psalms 113:1 serves to emphasize the paramount importance and urgency of the command. This rhetorical device underscores the central message, ensuring that the call to worship is deeply impressed upon the listener. It highlights that praise is not merely an option but a fundamental and non-negotiable duty and privilege for God's people, setting a powerful and insistent tone for the entire Hallel collection. It is a summons to immediate and enthusiastic adoration, signaling the profound worthiness of the Lord.

**Who are the "servants of the LORD" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "servants of the LORD" (Hebrew: _‘avdei Yahweh_) primarily refers to the covenant people of Israel, those who have been chosen, redeemed, and called to serve God in a unique relationship. In a broader, theological sense, it encompasses all who have committed themselves to God's will and purpose, acknowledging His sovereignty and living in obedience to Him. This identity is foundational to their call to praise, as their service is an expression of their devotion and allegiance to the One who saved them, as seen throughout the Old Testament, for example, in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 113:1, with its insistent call to "Praise ye the LORD," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament "servants of the LORD" were called to praise God for His mighty acts of salvation, particularly the Exodus, the New Testament reveals that the greatest act of salvation is accomplished through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. Jesus himself is the quintessential "servant of the LORD" (as prophesied in [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord")), who perfectly glorified the Father through His obedience unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Now, through faith in Him, all believers are adopted into God's family, redeemed from bondage to sin, and empowered by the Spirit to become true "servants of the Most High God" ([Acts 16:17](/acts/16-17 "Acts 16:17 - Paul and Silas and the Servant Girl")). Our praise is no longer solely for past deliverances but for the ultimate deliverance from sin and death achieved by Christ on the cross. We praise "the name of the LORD" by acknowledging the supremacy of the name of Jesus, "for at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")), and by proclaiming His redemptive work, which enables us to approach God with boldness and offer true worship, continually offering "the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Psalms 135:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise [him], O ye servants of the LORD.

Psalms 135:3

Praise the LORD; for the LORD [is] good: sing praises unto his name; for [it is] pleasant.

Psalms 34:22

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Psalms 103:20

Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Psalms 103:21

Bless ye the LORD, all [ye] his hosts; [ye] ministers of his, that do his pleasure.