Psalms 113

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 113

The first of the Hallel psalms (113-118) sung during Jewish festivals, especially Passover. It praises God who sits enthroned on high yet bends down to lift the poor from the dust.

Scripture

Praise the Name of the Lord

Study note

The servants of the Lord are called to praise his name from now until forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Lord's name is to be praised. He is exalted above all nations.

1 Praise the Lord! All you servants of the Lord, praise him! Praise the name of the Lord! Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

2 May the name of the Lord be celebrated from this moment on and for all time to come. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

3 From sunrise to sunset, the Lord's name deserves to be praised. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.

4 The Lord stands high above every nation. His glory soars above the heavens. The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.

God Lifts the Poor

Study note

Who is like the Lord our God who sits enthroned on high yet looks down on the heavens and earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the garbage heap to seat them with princes. He gives the childless woman a home and makes her a joyful mother.

5 Nobody is like the Lord our God. He sits on his throne high above everything, Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

6 yet he bends down low to pay attention to what happens in heaven and on earth. Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

7 He reaches down and picks up the poor out of the dirt. He lifts the needy right off the trash pile, He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

8 and he gives them a seat at the table with the most honored people -- with the leaders of his own nation. That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

9 He takes a woman who has no children and gives her a home where she becomes a happy mother surrounded by kids. Praise the Lord! He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 113

Praise from sunrise to sunsetGod enthroned on high yet bending lowLifting the poor from the dustGod gives the childless woman a family

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 113

The God who sits above the heavens stoops down to lift the poor from the dust and seat them with princes. He gives the childless woman a home full of children. No one is too low for God to reach. Whatever lack you feel in your life, know that God delights in filling empty places.

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