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.
Overview of Psalm 113
Psalm 113 is a hymn of praise that emphasizes the greatness and sovereignty of God. It is part of the Hallel, a collection of Psalms (113-118) traditionally recited during Jewish festivals, particularly Passover. This chapter highlights themes of worship, divine authority, and God’s care for the lowly and oppressed.
Structure and Literary Features
The chapter can be divided into two main sections: the call to praise and the reasons for praise.
1. Call to Praise (Verses 1-3)
- Verses 1-2: An imperative to praise the Lord, emphasizing the importance of worship.
- Verse 3: A universal call to praise that extends from the rising of the sun to its setting, suggesting that worship should be continuous and all-encompassing.
2. Reasons for Praise (Verses 4-9)
- Verses 4-6: God’s supremacy over all nations and His exalted position above the heavens.
- Verse 7: God’s concern for the humble and needy, contrasting His greatness with His compassion.
- Verse 8: The uplifting of the poor and barren, illustrating God’s transformative power in the lives of those who are marginalized.
- Verse 9: The blessing of the barren woman, symbolizing hope and renewal, as she becomes a joyful mother of children.
Thematic Analysis
1. The Call to Worship
The opening verses emphasize the importance of worship, not only as a duty but as a joyful response to God’s greatness. The repetition of the call to praise underscores its significance in the life of believers.
2. God’s Sovereignty
The psalmist declares God’s supremacy over all nations and His exaltation above the heavens. This establishes a clear hierarchy where God is the ultimate authority, deserving of reverence and worship.
3. Divine Compassion
In stark contrast to His majesty, God is portrayed as intimately involved in the lives of the lowly. This duality highlights a fundamental characteristic of God: His ability to transcend the heavens while simultaneously caring for the marginalized.
4. Transformation and Hope
The psalm concludes with a powerful image of transformation, where God changes the status of the lowly, particularly the barren woman. This serves as a metaphor for hope, renewal, and divine intervention in seemingly hopeless situations.
Theological Implications
Psalm 113 presents a theology that balances God’s transcendence with His immanence. It affirms that while God is sovereign over the universe, He is also deeply concerned with individual lives, particularly those who are vulnerable and oppressed.
Conclusion
Psalm 113 serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and the nature of God. It encourages believers to recognize God’s greatness while also acknowledging His compassionate involvement in the world. This chapter invites all to participate in continuous praise, celebrating both God’s majesty and His care for humanity.
