Psalms 113

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. 3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised. 4 The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, 6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! 7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; 8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. 9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 113:1-3

PSALM 113

Psa 113:1-9. God's majesty contrasted with His condescension and gracious dealings towards the humble furnish matter and a call for praise. The Jews, it is said, used this and Psalms 114-118 on their great festivals, and called them the Greater Hallel, or Hymn.

1-3. Earnestness and zeal are denoted by the emphatic repetitions.

servants of the Lord--or, all the people of God.

name of the Lord--perfections (Psa 5:11; 111:9).

Psalms 113:4-6

4-6. God's exaltation enhances His condescension;

Psalms 113:7-8

7-8. which condescension is illustrated as often in raising the worthy poor and needy to honor (compare 1Sa 2:8; Psa 44:25).

Psalms 113:9

9. On this special case, compare 1Sa 2:21. Barrenness was regarded as a disgrace, and is a type of a deserted Church (Is 54:1).

the barren woman ... house--literally, "the barren of the house," so that the supplied words may be omitted.

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