Psalm 113:8
to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people.
to seat him with princes
This phrase from Psalm 113:8 in the Berean Standard Bible speaks to the transformative power of God’s grace and sovereignty. The Hebrew root for "to seat" is "יָשַׁב" (yashab), which means to dwell, remain, or sit. This implies a sense of permanence and honor, suggesting that God not only elevates the humble but establishes them in a place of dignity and authority. In ancient Near Eastern culture, being seated with princes was a symbol of high status and favor. It reflects the biblical theme that God exalts the lowly and humbles the proud, as seen in the accounts of Joseph, David, and Daniel, who were all raised from humble beginnings to positions of influence.

with the princes of His people
The term "princes" in Hebrew is "נָדִיב" (nadiv), which can also mean noble or generous. This word choice emphasizes the character and responsibility of those in leadership. In the biblical context, a prince was not just a ruler but someone expected to lead with wisdom and justice. The phrase "of His people" underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It highlights that the elevation of the humble is not just a personal blessing but part of God’s broader plan for His people. This reflects the biblical narrative where God’s chosen leaders, like Moses and Solomon, were raised to guide and protect His people, Israel. The verse, therefore, is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His ability to change the course of history by raising up leaders according to His divine purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 113, traditionally attributed to King David, who is expressing praise to God for His mighty works and His care for the humble.

2. Princes
Symbolic of those in positions of authority and honor. In the context of this verse, it represents a place of elevated status and dignity.

3. The Humble
Those who are lowly or in humble circumstances, whom God raises up to sit with princes.

4. God
The central figure in the Psalm, who is praised for His sovereignty and His ability to elevate the humble.

5. The People of God
Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, among whom He raises individuals to positions of honor.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Elevation
God has the power to elevate individuals from humble circumstances to positions of honor. This demonstrates His sovereignty and His ability to change the course of a person's life.

The Value of Humility
Humility is a virtue that God honors. Those who are humble before God can trust in His timing and His plan for their elevation.

God's Care for the Lowly
God is attentive to the needs of the humble and lowly. He sees their plight and acts on their behalf, showing His compassion and justice.

Trust in God's Timing
Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing for their elevation or change in circumstances. His plans are perfect, and He knows the right time to act.

Living with Gratitude
Recognizing God's ability to elevate us should lead to a life of gratitude and praise, acknowledging His work in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of God elevating the humble challenge our understanding of success and status in today's society?

2. In what ways can we practice humility in our daily lives, and how does this align with the teachings of Psalm 113:8?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a change in circumstances that you believe was orchestrated by God. How did this impact your faith?

4. How can we encourage others who are in humble circumstances to trust in God's plan for their lives?

5. What other biblical examples can you find where God elevated someone from a lowly position to a place of honor? How do these accounts inspire you?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 2:8
This verse echoes the theme of God raising the poor from the dust and seating them with princes, highlighting His power to transform lives.

Luke 1:52
Mary's Magnificat reflects a similar theme, where God is praised for bringing down rulers and lifting up the humble.

James 4:10
This verse emphasizes the principle that God exalts those who humble themselves before Him.
Highest Service and the Highest BeingHomilistPsalm 113:1-9
God's Condescension in Beholding the Things in Heaven and in EarthJob Orton, D.D.Psalm 113:5-8
The Divine Nature and CharacterC. Short Psalm 113:5-8
The Extent of the Divine CondescensionT. Chalmers, D.D.Psalm 113:5-8
The Greatness and Goodness of GodG. Clayton.Psalm 113:5-8
The Majesty and Condescension of GodR. Watson.Psalm 113:5-8
The Nature, Possibility and Truth of a Particular ProvidenceJ. Seed.Psalm 113:5-8
From the Dunghill to the ThronePsalm 113:7-8
The Overflowing Gratitude of the Saved SoulS. Conway Psalm 113:7, 8
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Cause, Nobles, Princes, Rulers, Sit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 113:8

     5459   prince

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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