◄ Psalm 113:2 ►
Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore.
Study Bible
Blessed
The word "blessed" in this context is derived from the Hebrew word "barak," which means to kneel, to praise, or to salute. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, kneeling was a sign of respect and submission. The act of blessing God is an acknowledgment of His supreme authority and goodness. It is a call for continual praise and reverence, recognizing His sovereignty and benevolence in our lives. This word sets the tone for the verse, inviting believers to a posture of worship and adoration.

be the name
The "name" in Hebrew is "shem," which signifies more than just a label; it represents the character, reputation, and essence of a person. In the biblical context, God's name encompasses His attributes, His deeds, and His covenantal relationship with His people. The name of God is holy and powerful, deserving of honor and reverence. By blessing His name, we are acknowledging His divine nature and the fullness of His being.

of the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "Yahweh," the personal and covenantal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal existence, His unchanging nature, and His faithfulness to His promises. It is a reminder of His intimate relationship with His people and His role as the sovereign ruler of the universe. The use of "LORD" here emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of God, inviting believers to trust and rely on Him.

both now and forevermore
This phrase underscores the timelessness and perpetuity of God's worthiness to be praised. "Now" refers to the present moment, urging believers to engage in worship in their current circumstances. "Forevermore" extends this call to eternity, highlighting the eternal nature of God's glory and the everlasting duty of His creation to honor Him. This phrase serves as a reminder that God's greatness transcends time and that our worship is not confined to the present but is an eternal commitment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, Yahweh is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal nature and faithfulness to His people.

2. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to the authorship of the Psalms, the psalmist is a worship leader calling the community to praise.

3. Israel
The nation of Israel, God's chosen people, who are often the primary audience for the Psalms and are called to worship and praise God.

4. The Temple
While not directly mentioned, the Temple in Jerusalem is often the focal point of worship and praise in the Psalms.

5. Eternity
The concept of time, both "now and forevermore," highlights the eternal nature of God's praise.
Teaching Points
The Eternal Nature of Praise
God's name is worthy of praise at all times, reflecting His unchanging nature and eternal sovereignty.

The Call to Worship
Believers are called to a lifestyle of worship, not limited to specific times or places but encompassing all of life.

The Community of Praise
Worship is both a personal and communal act, inviting others to join in the praise of God's name.

The Continuity of Worship
Our praise today is connected to the praise of past generations and will continue into eternity, uniting believers across time.

The Significance of God's Name
Understanding the depth and meaning of God's name enhances our worship and reverence for Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the eternal nature of God's praise in Psalm 113:2 influence your daily worship practices?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the call to praise "both now and forevermore" into your personal and communal worship?

3. How does the concept of praising God's name relate to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' exaltation?

4. What are some practical ways to ensure that your praise is not confined to specific times or places?

5. How can understanding the original Hebrew context of "Yahweh" deepen your appreciation and reverence for God's name in worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 145:1-2
This passage also emphasizes the continual praise of God's name, reinforcing the idea of daily worship.

Philippians 2:9-11
This New Testament passage speaks of the exaltation of Jesus' name, connecting the eternal praise of God to the recognition of Jesus as Lord.

Revelation 5:13
This verse depicts a future vision where all creation praises God, aligning with the eternal aspect of praise mentioned in Psalm 113:2.
Sermons
Highest Service and the Highest BeingHomilistPsalm 113:1-9
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Age, Blessed, Blessing, Evermore, Forever, Forevermore, Forth, Henceforth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 113:1

     8624   worship, reasons
     8666   praise, manner and methods

Library
Boniface, Apostle of the Germans.
BONIFACE, or Winfried, as they called him in Anglo-Saxon, born at Crediton in Devonshire, in 680, deserves to be honoured as the father of the German Church, although he was by no means the first who brought the seeds of the Gospel to Germany. Many had already laboured before him; but the efforts which had been made here and there did not suffice to secure the endurance of Christianity amongst the many perils to which it was exposed. Christianity needs to be linked with firm ecclesiastical institutions, …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

The Consecration of Joy
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 34. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. 35. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord; on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
IT was the last, the great day of the Feast,' and Jesus was once more in the Temple. We can scarcely doubt that it was the concluding day of the Feast, and not, as most modern writers suppose, its Octave, which, in Rabbinic language, was regarded as a festival by itself.' [3987] [3988] But such solemn interest attaches to the Feast, and this occurrence on its last day, that we must try to realise the scene. We have here the only Old Testament type yet unfilfilled; the only Jewish festival which has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition.
(a) The supreme and unique revelation of God to man is in the Person of the Incarnate Son. But though unique the Incarnation is not solitary. Before it there was the divine institution of the Law and the Prophets, the former a typical anticipation (de Incarn. 40. 2) of the destined reality, and along with the latter (ib. 12. 2 and 5) for all the world a holy school of the knowledge of God and the conduct of the soul.' After it there is the history of the life and teaching of Christ and the writings …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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