Bible Commentaries
Psalms 113

Verses 1-9

v. 1. Praise ye the Lord, this being the third hallelujah psalm, setting forth the majesty of God, together with His mercy in dealing with the humble. It was used as the introduction to the great hallel sung by the Jews on their great festivals, particularly on the Passover. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, all the faithful, all true believers, who delight in the true ministry of Jehovah, praise the name of the Lord, setting forth the glory of His essence and attributes, as shown in His Word and works.

v. 2. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore, the entire Church, with all its members, singing His praises as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, throughout eternity.

v. 3. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, throughout the length and breadth of the world, the Lord's name is to be praised, all creatures being invited to join in this psalm.

v. 4. The Lord is high above all nations, exalted above all human states with their puny rulers, and His glory above the heavens, over which He, too, is the absolute Sovereign.

v. 5. Who is like unto the Lord, our God, who dwelleth on high, on the throne of His power,

v. 6. who humbleth Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth, that is, who, from His exalted position of omniscience and omnipresence, watches most carefully over everything that happens in heaven and earth.

v. 7. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, out of the condition of extreme lowliness, and lifteth the needy, the miserable and despised, out of the dunghill, or ash-heap, as one cast off by men and making the refuse heap of the city his dwelling;

v. 8. that He may set him with princes, even with the princes of His people, elevating him to a position in the nobility, the powerful people of the land.

v. 9. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, taking from her the disgrace of childlessness, and to be a joyful mother of children, a blessing which is often emphasized in the Bible. Praise ye the Lord! It is the proper song for the believers of all times, and all the blessings here enumerated are gratefully acknowledged by them in hymns of praise and in willing ministry of the hands.