Psalm 113 — Praise for God's Majesty and Mercy
Psalm 113 is a hymn of praise that celebrates God's supreme authority and His compassionate care for the poor and the marginalized.
1Praise the LORD!*Hebrew: יה Yah
2Blessed be the LORD’s name,
3From the rising of the sun to its going down,
4The LORD is high above all nations,
5Who is like the LORD, our God,
6who stoops down to see in heaven and in the earth?
7He raises up the poor out of the dust,
8that he may set him with princes,
9He settles the barren woman in her home
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalm 113:3
“From the rising of the sun to its going down, the LORD’s name is to be praised.”
This verse emphasizes the universal and perpetual nature of worship due to God.
Psalm 113:7
“He raises up the poor out of the dust, and lifts up the needy from the ash heap,”
This verse highlights God's specific concern for the humble and those in difficult circumstances.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 113 begins with a collective call to the servants of the Lord to praise His name both now and forever. The psalmist emphasizes that God's name is worthy of honor everywhere, from the rising of the sun to its setting. While the Lord is described as being high above all nations and more glorious than the heavens, the text highlights His unique willingness to stoop down and look upon the earth. The psalm concludes by illustrating God's mercy through His actions: He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the ash heap, seating them with princes. He also transforms the life of the barren woman, establishing her in a home as a joyful mother. The chapter ends as it began, with a call to praise the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main message is that although God is infinitely exalted above the heavens, He remains deeply involved in the lives of the humble. It contrasts His supreme majesty with His gentle care for the poor and the barren.
This phrase is a poetic way of saying everywhere and at all times. It suggests that praise for God should happen across the entire world throughout the whole day.
The psalm describes God as actively intervening for the poor and needy by raising them out of the dust. It states that He restores their dignity, placing them in positions of honor alongside princes.
Study Note
Psalm 113 is the first of the Hallel psalms, which were traditionally sung during the celebration of the Passover.
Related Chapters
1 Samuel 2
Hannah's prayer contains very similar language about God lifting the poor and helping the barren.
Psalm 114
This is the next psalm in the Hallel collection used during major biblical festivals.
Luke 1
Mary's song, known as the Magnificat, reflects the themes of God's mercy to the humble found in this psalm.
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