◄ Psalm 113 ►
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The LORD Exalts the Humble (1 Samuel 1:1–8) 1Hallelujah!a Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD. 2Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore. 3From where the sun rises to where it sets, the name of the LORD is praised. 4The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens. 5Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? 6He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth. 7He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump 8to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people. 9He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah! Footnotes: 1 a Or Hallelu YAH, meaning Praise the LORD; also in verse 9 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 113 Summary The LORD Exalts the Humble Verses 1–3 – Call to Praise From Sunrise to Sunset The psalm opens with a triple summons: “Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD!” (v. 1). All who serve God—priests, Levites, and every believer—are urged to celebrate His name. The invitation is timeless and borderless: “From where the sun rises to where it sets, the name of the LORD is praised” (v. 3). Every hour and every longitude is included. Verses 4–6 – The Lofty King Who Stoops Low Though exalted “above all nations,” God is no distant monarch. He “humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth” (v. 6). The Creator who outsoars the cosmos leans down to involve Himself in human affairs. His majesty never fades, yet His attention reaches the smallest place. Verses 7–9 – The Lifter of the Lowly and the Barren In stunning contrast to earthly rulers, the LORD “raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump” (v. 7). His purpose is restorative: “to seat them with princes” (v. 8). He also intervenes in domestic sorrow, granting “the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children” (v. 9). Social outcasts and broken families alike find honor because God delights to reverse human hopelessness. Psalm 113 is a joyful song of praise to God, highlighting his limitless power, compassion, and justice. The psalm presents God's majesty and splendor in the heavens, and his care and concern for the humble and needy on earth. Its core message is to praise God at all times for his eternal sovereignty, compassion, and uplifting of those in lowly positions. Setting and Occasion Psalm 113 stands at the head of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalm 113–118), sung during Passover, Tabernacles, and other great feasts. Imagining thousands of pilgrims chanting these words as lambs were sacrificed in Jerusalem helps us hear the psalm’s heartbeat: rescued slaves praising their Rescuer. Place in the Psalter and Worship Book V of Psalms (107–150) gathers songs celebrating deliverance and kingdom hope. Psalm 113 inaugurates a liturgical arc that climaxes in Psalm 118’s messianic triumph. In synagogue tradition, 113–114 are sung before the Passover meal; 115–118 follow the meal. The pattern frames redemption—past, present, and prophetic—around thanksgiving. Key Themes and Theological Emphases • God’s Name: Repeated five times (vv. 1–3), pointing to His revealed character (Exodus 3:14; Proverbs 18:10). • Universal Dominion: “Above all nations” (v. 4) links with Daniel 4:17 and Revelation 15:3–4. • Divine Condescension: Echoes of Isaiah 57:15—“High and exalted… yet with the contrite.” • Reversal of Fortunes: Anticipates Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:52–53) and Jesus’ beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). Literary Features and Structure The psalm is symmetrical: 1. Call to praise (vv. 1–3) 2. Reason to praise—God’s transcendence (vv. 4–6) 3. Reason to praise—God’s compassion (vv. 7–9) Parallelism ties lofty heights to lowly depths, while the present tense verbs keep the action immediate. The double movement—upward to the throne, downward to the ash heap—creates a lyrical V-shape. Historical and Archaeological Insights • “Dust” and “dunghill” (v. 7) refer to refuse mounds common outside Near-Eastern towns. Excavations at Lachish and Gezer show such heaps, littered with pottery shards—visual reminders of marginalization. • The promise to the barren woman (v. 9) evokes matriarchal narratives (Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah). Archaeological finds of household gods linked to fertility (e.g., at Nuzi) highlight the countercultural claim: true fruitfulness comes from Yahweh, not idols. Connections to the New Testament • Philippians 2:6–8 mirrors vv. 4–6: Christ, “in very nature God,” “emptied Himself,” stooping to serve. • 1 Samuel 2:8 (Hannah’s song) and Psalm 113:7–8 resonate, then resurface in Luke 1:52. • Jesus washed feet in John 13—an enacted commentary on God who “humbles Himself.” • Revelation 19:5 echoes v. 1, calling “servants” to praise at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Practical Application • Praise as lifestyle: Sunrise-to-sunset worship reshapes routines—commutes, chores, screens—into altars. • Dignity for the marginalized: Serving the homeless or mentoring foster youth mirrors God’s lift from the “dunghill.” • Hope for childless couples: The psalm affirms God’s intimate care, whether through biological birth, adoption, or spiritual parenting. Hebrew Word Insights • Hallĕlû-YAH (v. 1) combines “praise” (halal) and the covenant name (Yah). It’s both command and exclamation. • Dal (poor) and ebyon (needy) in v. 7 paint poverty’s spectrum—material lack and social defenselessness. • Shaphal (humbles Himself, v. 6) literally “stoops,” used in Isaiah 57:15 to show God sharing space with the crushed. Historical Echoes in Church Liturgy Early Christians folded Psalm 113 into Easter Vigil chants. Augustine loved its antiphonal rhythm, calling it “the ladder on which God climbs down to us.” The Anglican Evening Prayer still opens with it (“O praise ye the Lord”). Reformers sang it in vernacular to teach God’s nearness to plowmen and princes alike. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 103:19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. This verse reinforces God's sovereignty. Luke 1:52-53 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. This passage echoes God's care for the humble. 1 Samuel 2:8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. This verse parallels Psalm 113:7, highlighting God's transformative power. Teaching Points The Call to Praise Psalm 113 begins with a call to praise the Lord: Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD (Psalm 113:1). This sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing the importance of worship in the life of a believer. God's Name is Exalted The psalmist declares, Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore (Psalm 113:2). This highlights the eternal nature of God's glory and the continuous call to honor His name. God's Sovereignty Verses 4-5 proclaim God's supremacy: The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? (Psalm 113:4-5). This underscores God's unmatched authority and majesty. God's Compassion for the Lowly The psalm beautifully transitions to God's care for the humble: He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap (Psalm 113:7). This reveals God's heart for the marginalized and His power to transform lives. God's Blessing on Families The psalm concludes with a picture of God's blessing: He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children (Psalm 113:9). This illustrates God's ability to bring joy and fulfillment to those who trust in Him. Practical Applications Cultivate a Lifestyle of Praise Make it a daily practice to praise God for His attributes and works, recognizing His presence in every aspect of life. Acknowledge God's Sovereignty In times of uncertainty, remind yourself of God's supreme authority over all nations and circumstances. Embrace Humility Follow God's example by showing compassion and care for the marginalized and needy in your community. Trust in God's Timing If you are waiting for a blessing or breakthrough, trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to bring joy and fulfillment. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure of Psalm 113, the LORD is praised for His greatness and His care for the humble. The psalm emphasizes His sovereignty and His ability to raise the needy from the dust. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," which signifies the covenantal name of God, highlighting His eternal and self-existent nature. 2. Servants of the LORD These are the people called to praise the name of the LORD. In the context of the psalm, they represent the faithful followers of God who are encouraged to worship and exalt Him continually. 3. The Needy While not named individually, the needy are mentioned as those whom the LORD raises from the dust and lifts from the ash heap. This reflects God's compassion and care for the marginalized and oppressed. 4. The Barren Woman Again, not a specific individual, but a representation of those who experience transformation through God's intervention. The psalm speaks of the barren woman being made to dwell in a home as a joyful mother of children, symbolizing God's power to bring about change and blessing. Places 1. The Rising of the Sun ^Description^: This phrase refers to the east, where the sun rises. It symbolizes the beginning of the day and is used to indicate the extent of God's praise. In Hebrew, the word for "rising" is "מִמִּזְרַח" (mimizrach), which means "from the east." 2. The Setting of the Sun ^Description^: This phrase refers to the west, where the sun sets. It represents the end of the day and complements the idea of God's name being praised throughout the entire day. The Hebrew word for "setting" is "מִמַּעֲרָב" (mima'arav), meaning "from the west." 3. The Heavens ^Description^: This refers to the sky or the celestial realm, emphasizing God's sovereignty and majesty above all creation. In Hebrew, "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim) is the word for "heavens." 4. The Earth ^Description^: This represents the physical world and all its inhabitants, highlighting God's dominion over all creation. The Hebrew term for "earth" is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz). Events 1. Call to Praise the Lord The psalm begins with a call for the servants of the Lord to praise His name. The Hebrew root for "praise" is "הלל" (halal), which means to boast or celebrate. "Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD." (Psalm 113:1) 2. Eternal Praise of God's Name The psalm emphasizes that the name of the Lord is to be praised both now and forevermore, highlighting the eternal nature of God's worthiness to be praised. "Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore." (Psalm 113:2) 3. Universal Praise from East to West The psalm declares that the Lord's name is to be praised from the rising of the sun to its setting, indicating the universality of His praise. "From the rising to the setting of the sun, the name of the LORD is to be praised." (Psalm 113:3) 4. God's Supremacy Over All Nations The psalm proclaims the Lord's supremacy over all nations and His glory above the heavens, reflecting His sovereign rule. "The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens." (Psalm 113:4) 5. God's Incomparable Majesty The psalm asks rhetorically who is like the Lord, who is enthroned on high, emphasizing His unique majesty and authority. "Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?" (Psalm 113:5) 6. God's Compassionate Care The psalm describes how God humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth, showing His care and involvement in creation. "He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth." (Psalm 113:6) 7. God's Care for the Needy The psalm highlights God's compassion by raising the poor from the dust and lifting the needy from the ash heap, demonstrating His concern for the marginalized. "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap." (Psalm 113:7) 8. God's Elevation of the Humble The psalm concludes with God seating the poor with princes, showing His ability to elevate the humble to positions of honor. "He seats them with princes, with the princes of His people." (Psalm 113:8) 9. God's Blessing on the Barren Woman The psalm ends with God granting the barren woman a home and making her a joyful mother, illustrating His power to transform lives. "He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!" (Psalm 113:9) Lessons from Psalm 113 1. Praise the Lord at All Times Psalm 113 opens with a call to praise: "Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD" (Psalm 113:1). This sets the tone for a life of continuous worship. Whether in times of joy or trial, praising God should be our default setting. It’s a reminder that our focus should always be on His greatness, not our circumstances. 2. God's Name is Worthy of Praise The psalmist emphasizes the importance of God's name: "Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore" (Psalm 113:2). This teaches us that God's name is not just a label but a representation of His character and deeds. By honoring His name, we acknowledge His eternal nature and unchanging goodness. 3. God's Glory is Above All Psalm 113:4 declares, "The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens." This verse reminds us that God's majesty surpasses all earthly powers and authorities. In a world where we often get caught up in human achievements, it’s crucial to remember that God’s glory is the ultimate standard. 4. God is Incomparable "Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?" (Psalm 113:5). This rhetorical question highlights the uniqueness of God. There is no one like Him, and nothing can compare to His power and majesty. This truth should fill us with awe and inspire us to live lives that reflect His greatness. 5. God Stoops to See Us The psalmist beautifully illustrates God's humility: "He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth" (Psalm 113:6). Despite His exalted position, God cares deeply about His creation. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how small or insignificant we may feel, God sees us and is intimately involved in our lives. 6. God Lifts the Lowly "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap" (Psalm 113:7). This verse speaks to God’s heart for the marginalized and downtrodden. It’s a call to trust in His ability to transform our circumstances and a challenge to reflect His compassion in our interactions with others. 7. God Grants Dignity Psalm 113:8 continues, "to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people." God not only lifts us from our lowly positions but also grants us dignity and honor. This is a profound reminder of our worth in His eyes and an encouragement to live as His representatives on earth. 8. God Blesses the Barren "He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children" (Psalm 113:9). This verse highlights God’s power to bring life and joy where there was once emptiness and sorrow. It’s a testament to His ability to fulfill our deepest desires and a call to trust in His perfect timing. 9. God's Care is Personal Throughout Psalm 113, we see a God who is not distant but deeply personal. He knows our struggles and meets us where we are. This personal care is a reminder that we are never alone, and we can always turn to Him for comfort and guidance. 10. Praise is Our Response The psalm concludes as it began, with a call to praise: "Hallelujah!" (Psalm 113:9). Our response to God’s greatness, compassion, and care should be one of continual praise. By living a life of worship, we align ourselves with His purposes and reflect His glory to the world around us. Topics 1. Call to Praise the Lord The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord, emphasizing the importance of worship. ^"Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD."^ (Psalm 113:1) The Hebrew word "Hallelujah" (הַלְלוּיָהּ) is a command to "praise Yah," a shortened form of Yahweh, highlighting the focus on God's name. 2. Eternal Praise of God's Name The psalmist emphasizes the eternal nature of God's praise, from now and forevermore. ^"Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore."^ (Psalm 113:2) The Hebrew root for "blessed" (בָּרוּךְ, baruch) conveys a sense of adoration and reverence. 3. Universal Praise of the Lord The psalm declares that the Lord's name is to be praised from the rising to the setting of the sun. ^"From the rising to the setting of the sun, the name of the LORD is praised."^ (Psalm 113:3) This indicates the universality and constancy of God's praise. 4. God's Supremacy and Sovereignty The psalmist acknowledges the Lord's supremacy over all nations and His glory above the heavens. ^"The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens."^ (Psalm 113:4) The Hebrew word for "exalted" (רָם, ram) signifies being high and lifted up, denoting God's supreme authority. 5. God's Incomparable Nature The psalm highlights the incomparability of God, who is enthroned on high yet humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth. ^"Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?"^ (Psalm 113:5) The rhetorical question underscores God's unique and unparalleled nature. 6. God's Care for the Humble The psalm describes God's compassion for the lowly, raising the poor from the dust and lifting the needy from the ash heap. ^"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap."^ (Psalm 113:7) The imagery of "dust" (עָפָר, afar) and "ash heap" (אַשְׁפֹּת, ashpot) symbolizes extreme poverty and despair, from which God delivers. 7. God's Blessing on the Barren Woman The psalm concludes with God's blessing on the barren woman, making her a joyful mother of children. ^"He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children. Hallelujah!"^ (Psalm 113:9) This reflects God's power to transform and bless, emphasizing His care for the marginalized. Themes 1. Praise of the Lord's Name Psalm 113 begins with a call to praise the name of the Lord: "Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD" (Psalm 113:1). The Hebrew word for "praise" here is "halal," which means to boast or celebrate. This theme emphasizes the importance of exalting God's name above all else. 2. God's Eternal Sovereignty The psalm highlights God's eternal reign: "From the rising to the setting of the sun, the name of the LORD is praised. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens" (Psalm 113:3-4). The Hebrew word "shamayim" for "heavens" underscores God's supreme authority over all creation, emphasizing His timeless sovereignty. 3. God's Immanence and Transcendence The psalm describes God's greatness and His closeness to humanity: "Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth" (Psalm 113:5-6). The Hebrew root "shaphel" for "humbles" indicates God's willingness to engage with His creation, balancing His transcendence with immanence. 4. God's Care for the Lowly A significant theme is God's compassion for the humble and needy: "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap" (Psalm 113:7). The Hebrew word "dal" for "poor" reflects those who are weak or lowly, highlighting God's concern for the marginalized and His power to elevate them. 5. God's Blessing of the Barren The psalm concludes with God's blessing on the barren woman: "He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children" (Psalm 113:9). The Hebrew term "akarah" for "barren" signifies a state of hopelessness transformed by God's intervention, illustrating His ability to bring joy and fulfillment where there was once despair. Prayer Points Praise God for His Majesty Spend time in prayer, exalting God for His greatness and eternal nature. Seek God's Heart for the Humble Ask God to give you a heart of compassion for the needy and marginalized, and for opportunities to serve them. Trust in God's Sovereignty Pray for faith to trust in God's control over your life and the world, especially in challenging times. Thank God for His Blessings Reflect on the blessings in your life and thank God for His provision and care. Answering Tough Questions 1. (Psalm 113:3) How do we reconcile the language of “from the rising of the sun” with modern astronomy’s heliocentric understanding of our solar system? 2. (Psalm 113:4) If the Lord is “exalted over all nations,” how can we account for multiple religions thriving throughout history without universal acknowledgment of this supremacy? 3. (Psalm 113:7–8) Despite the claim that God “raises the poor” and seats them “with princes,” how do we explain the ongoing existence of poverty with little evidence of divine intervention? 4. (Psalm 113:6) Why does an omnipresent God need to “stoop down” to look at the heavens and the earth, implying a physical movement that seems contradictory to an all-seeing deity? 5. (Psalm 113:9) How can God’s promise to make the “barren woman” into a mother be taken literally in light of countless faithful individuals who remain childless despite prayers? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the juxtaposition of God's majesty and compassion in Psalm 113 affect your understanding of God's character? 2. How can the command to praise God from dawn to dusk be implemented in our daily lives? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt like God lifted you from a "dust" or "ash heap" situation. How did that experience change your view of God's compassion? 4. How can we apply the message of God raising the needy and the poor to our modern society? 5. The psalmist speaks of the childless woman becoming a joyful mother. How does this metaphor speak to God's power to transform lives? 6. How can the principles in Psalm 113 guide our interactions with people in disadvantaged situations? 7. How can we balance recognizing God's exalted position with understanding His intimate concern for individuals? 8. How does Psalm 113 encourage continuous praise, and why is this important in our relationship with God? 9. How does the vision of God in Psalm 113 compare with other depictions of God in the Bible? 10. In what ways can the message of Psalm 113 inspire action in your community? 11. How can you, as a servant of the Lord, mirror God's compassion in your daily life? 12. How does this psalm challenge your perspective on the marginalized and less fortunate in society? 13. How does Psalm 113 deepen our understanding of God's justice and mercy? 14. How can this psalm's depiction of God's care for the humble and needy inform your prayers? 15. How does Psalm 113 influence your understanding of God's sovereignty in relation to human suffering and injustice? 16. What practices could you incorporate into your daily routine to help you remember to praise God from dawn to dusk? 17. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Psalm 113 impact your faith in His ability to intervene in your circumstances? 18. How can we apply the principles of praising God at all times in both joyous and challenging situations? 19. How does Psalm 113 inspire you to advocate for the needy and poor in your community? 20. How does Psalm 113 inform our understanding of God's provision and how can we apply this understanding in times of scarcity? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions