Psalms 113:9

Psalm 113:9 (KJV) concludes a psalm of praise, highlighting God's incredible power to reverse humanly impossible situations. It vividly illustrates how the Almighty lifts the lowly and brings joy where there was once despair, culminating in a resounding call to worship.

Context

Psalm 113 is the first of the six "Hallel" psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally recited during major Jewish festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The psalm opens with a call to praise the LORD from sunrise to sunset, exalting Him above all nations and heavens. It then shifts to describe God's condescension—how He, though high and exalted, humbles Himself to look upon the earth and actively intervenes in the lives of the humble and needy. Verse 9 serves as a powerful culmination of this theme, providing a specific, relatable example of God's transformative power, directly connecting to the preceding verses which speak of lifting the poor from the dust and setting them among princes.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Reversal of Fortune: The central theme is God's power to transform despair into joy, emptiness into fullness. Barrenness in ancient Israel was often a source of profound sorrow and social stigma. This verse proclaims God's ability to turn such sorrow into the ultimate joy of motherhood.
• God's Compassion and Power: It underscores God's deep care for the marginalized and His omnipotent ability to intervene in natural processes and human circumstances. He is not distant but intimately involved in bringing about blessings.
• The Joy of Family and Blessing: The "joyful mother of children" signifies the fulfillment and blessing associated with family in the biblical worldview. It speaks to a restoration of dignity and purpose.
• Call to Praise: The psalm, and this verse, ends with "Praise ye the LORD" (Halleluyah), reinforcing that God's wondrous acts are meant to elicit worship and gratitude from His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "barren woman" is 'aqereth (עֲקֶרֶת), emphasizing her inability to bear children. The transformation is from this state to "a joyful mother of children" (אֵם בָּנִים שְׂמֵחָה - 'em banim semecha). This stark contrast highlights the magnitude of God's miraculous intervention. The phrase "keep house" implies establishing and managing a household, a role that was denied to a childless woman in ancient society, thus signifying a complete restoration of her social standing and domestic life.

Related Scriptures

This verse echoes a recurring motif in the Old Testament where God miraculously opens the womb of previously barren women. Notable examples include Sarah, who bore Isaac in her old age; Rebekah, who bore Jacob and Esau; Rachel, who bore Joseph after years of longing; and most famously, Hannah, whose prayer and subsequent birth of Samuel is celebrated in her song of praise (see 1 Samuel 2:5), which strikingly prefigures Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:52).

Practical Application

Psalm 113:9 offers profound encouragement for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles or deep personal sorrow. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of our lives and delights in bringing joy out of despair. Whether the "barrenness" is literal childlessness, a lack of spiritual fruit, or any area of life where hope seems lost, this verse assures us of God's transformative power. It calls us to trust in His ability to do the impossible and to respond with heartfelt praise for His goodness and sovereignty. It's a testament to the truth that no situation is beyond God's power to redeem and bless, prompting us to always praise the LORD.