Psalm 113 NKJV
A Summary
My Thoughts
Psalm 113 highlights the greatness and compassionate nature of God, prompting believers to offer praise. It serves as an introduction to the Hallel, a series of psalms sung during Jewish festivals, particularly Passover. The psalm calls for universal praise, emphasizing God’s exaltation over nations and His attentiveness to the humble and needy. It acknowledges the Lord’s role in uplifting the lowly and blessing families, making it suitable for both communal worship and personal reflection on His redeeming grace…….Bill
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Commentaries:
Charles Spurgeon
This Psalm is one of pure praise and contains but little which requires exposition; a warm heart full of admiring adoration of the Most High will best of all comprehend this sacred hymn. Its subject is the greatness and condescending goodness of the God of Israel, as exhibited in lifting up the needy from their low estate. It may fitly be sung by the church during a period of revival after it has long been diminished and brought low. With this Psalm begins the Hallel, or Hallelujah of the Jews, which was sung at their solemn feasts: we will therefore call it THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE HALLEL. Dr. Edersheim tells us that the Talmud dwells upon the peculiar suitableness of the Hallel to the Passover, “since it not only recorded the goodness of God towards Israel, but especially their deliverance from Egypt, and therefore appropriately opened with Praise ye Jehovah, ye servants of Jehovah, —and no longer servants of Pharaoh.” Its allusions to the poor in the dust and the needy upon the dunghill are all in keeping with Israel in Egypt, and so also is the reference to the birth of numerous children where they were least expected.
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Enduring Word
The book of Psalms contains three collections titled Hallel, with Psalms 113-118 known as the Egyptian Hallel, mainly because of their connection with Passover celebrations, commemorating Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. The psalms of the Egyptian Hallel were sung as part of the Passover ceremony, with Psalms 113-114 sung before the meal and Psalms 115-118 after the meal.
“This group is necessarily of special interest to us because in all probability, these psalms were sung by our Lord and His disciples on that dark night in which He was betrayed.” (G. Campbell Morgan)
“To these references is made by the evangelists, Matthew 26:30, and Mark 14:26, there called the hymn which Jesus and his disciples sung at the Passover.” (Adam Clarke)
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Albert Barnes
This psalm, which is expressive of the majesty of God, as having a claim to universal praise, consists essentially of two parts:
I. The general statement that God is to be praised, and a call on all to engage in that service, Psalms 113:1-3.
II. Reasons why he should be praised, Psalms 113:4-9.
(1) he is exalted above all nations, Psalms 113:4;
(2) None can be compared with him, Psalms 113:5;
(3) he is condescending, and looks with interest on the things in heaven and on earth, Psalms 113:6;
(4) He exalts the poor to positions of honor and influence, Psalms 113:7-8;
(5) He constitutes and appoints families, with all that is tender and joyous in the domestic relation, Psalms 113:9.
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John Gill
With this psalm begins the great “Hallel,” which ends with Psalm 118; and was used to be sung at the Jewish festivals, particularly at the feast of Tabernacles and of the Passover; and is thought by some to be the hymn sung by Christ and his apostles, after the celebration of the Lord’s supper; in which there are many things pertinent to that occasion as well as to the above feasts. This psalm is a song of praise for redemption by Christ, to be sung in Gospel times, when the name of the Lord should be known among all nations, from the rising to the setting sun. It is thought by some to be an abridgment of the song of Hannah, 1 Samuel 2:1, there is an agreement.
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Matthew Henry
This psalm begins and ends with “Hallelujah;” for, as many others, it is designed to promote the great and good work of praising God.
I. We are here called upon and urged to praise God (v. 1-3).
II. We are here furnished with matter for praise, and words are put into our mouths, in singing which we must with holy fear and love give to God the glory of,
1. The elevations of his glory and greatness (v. 4, 5).
2. The condescensions of his grace and goodness (v. 6-9), which very much illustrate one another, that we may be duly affected with both.
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Adam Clarke
Psalms 113:0, Psalms 114:0, Psalms 115:0, Psalms 116:0, Psalms 117:0, and Psalms 118:0, form the great Hallel and were sung by the Jews on their most solemn festivals, and particularly at the Passover. To these references is made by the evangelists, Matthew 26:30, and Mark 14:26, there called the hymn which Jesus and his disciples sung at the Passover, for the whole of the Psalms, were considered as one grand hymn or thanksgiving. It was probably composed after the return from the captivity. It has no title but Hallelujah in the Hebrew and ancient Versions.
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Psalm 113 NKJV
The Majesty and Condescension of God
1
Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
Praise the name of the Lord!
2
Blessed be the name of the Lord
From this time forth and forevermore!
3
From the rising of the sun to its going down
The Lord’s name is to be praised.
4
The Lord is high above all nations,
His glory above the heavens.
5
Who is like the Lord our God,
Who dwells on high,
6
Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
7
He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
8
That He may seat him with princes—
With the princes of His people.
9
He grants the barren woman a home,
Like a joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
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Final Thoughts:
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips, So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you? Proverbs 22:17-21 NKJV
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