Psalm 113:9
He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!
He settles the barren woman in her home
This phrase begins with the action of God, "He settles," which indicates divine intervention and providence. The Hebrew root for "settles" is "yashab," which means to sit, remain, or dwell. This suggests a sense of permanence and stability that God provides. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a woman's identity and security were often tied to her ability to bear children. Thus, God's action here is not just about providing offspring but about restoring dignity and purpose.

the barren woman
The term "barren" comes from the Hebrew word "aqarah," which refers to a woman unable to conceive. In biblical times, barrenness was often seen as a source of shame and social stigma. The mention of a "barren woman" highlights God's compassion and power to transform situations deemed hopeless by human standards. It reflects the biblical theme of God remembering and blessing those who are marginalized or forgotten, as seen in the accounts of Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth.

in her home
The phrase "in her home" signifies a place of belonging and security. The Hebrew word "bayith" for "home" encompasses not just a physical dwelling but also a household or family. This implies that God's blessing extends beyond the individual to the entire family unit, creating a nurturing environment. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the spiritual home and community that God provides for His people, where they find acceptance and love.

as a joyful mother of children
The transformation to "a joyful mother of children" is the culmination of God's blessing. The Hebrew word for "joyful" is "sameach," which conveys a deep, abiding happiness and contentment. This joy is not merely circumstantial but rooted in the fulfillment of God's promises. The phrase underscores the biblical principle that true joy and fulfillment come from God's intervention and blessing. It also serves as a metaphor for spiritual fruitfulness, where believers, once barren in spirit, are made fruitful through God's grace.

Hallelujah!
The psalm concludes with "Hallelujah," a Hebrew word meaning "Praise the Lord." This exclamation is a call to worship and a response to God's mighty acts. It serves as a reminder that all blessings and transformations are ultimately for the glory of God. The use of "Hallelujah" ties the personal blessing back to the communal worship of God, encouraging believers to join in praise for His faithfulness and power.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Barren Woman
Represents women who are unable to have children, a condition often seen as a source of shame or distress in biblical times.

2. Joyful Mother
Symbolizes the transformation and blessing from God, turning sorrow into joy.

3. Home
A place of security, belonging, and fulfillment, where the barren woman finds her new identity and purpose.

4. God
The central figure who enacts this transformation, demonstrating His power and compassion.

5. Hallelujah
A call to praise the Lord, emphasizing the response of gratitude and worship for His works.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Compassion
God has the power to change circumstances and bring joy where there was once sorrow.

Trust in God's timing and His ability to fulfill His promises.

Transformation and New Identity
God can transform our lives, giving us new purpose and identity.

Embrace the changes God brings, knowing they are for our good and His glory.

Praise and Gratitude
Our response to God's blessings should be one of praise and gratitude.

Regularly reflect on God's goodness and express thankfulness in all circumstances.

Hope for the Hopeless
God provides hope and fulfillment to those who feel empty or lacking.

Encourage others with the truth that God sees their struggles and can bring joy and fulfillment.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the transformation of the barren woman into a joyful mother reflect God's character and promises?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of God's timing and faithfulness in our own lives, especially in areas where we feel barren or unfulfilled?

3. How can the accounts of Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth encourage us in our personal walk with God?

4. What are some practical ways we can express gratitude and praise to God for His blessings, even when we are waiting for answers to our prayers?

5. How can we support and encourage those around us who may feel barren or hopeless, using the truths found in Psalm 113:9 and related scriptures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 1-2
The account of Hannah, who was barren and prayed earnestly for a child. God answered her prayers, and she became the mother of Samuel, illustrating God's power to transform barrenness into fruitfulness.

Genesis 21
The account of Sarah, who was barren until God fulfilled His promise, and she bore Isaac, highlighting God's faithfulness.

Isaiah 54:1
Encourages the barren woman to sing and rejoice, for God will bless her with more children than the married woman, showing God's ability to bring abundance from lack.

Luke 1
The account of Elizabeth, who was barren but became the mother of John the Baptist, demonstrating God's miraculous intervention.
InfluenceD. J. Vaughan, M.A.Psalm 113:9
The Mission of the ChildrenR. Tuck Psalm 113:9
Highest Service and the Highest BeingHomilistPsalm 113:1-9
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abide, Barren, Causing, Dwell, Family, Gives, Hallelujah, Happy, Home, Jah, Joyful, Joyous, Makes, Maketh, Making, Praise, Settles, Sit, Sons, Unfertile, Yah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 113:9

     5061   sanctity of life
     5225   barrenness
     5296   disabilities
     5663   childbirth
     5665   children, attitudes to
     5719   mothers, responsibilities
     5874   happiness

Psalm 113:7-9

     6688   mercy, demonstration of God's

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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