Chapter 113
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
2Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
3From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised.
4The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
5Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
6Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
8That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.
“Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!”
Overview
Psalm 113 begins the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), sung at Passover and other festivals. It opens with a triple call to praise the name of the LORD — now and forevermore, from the rising of the sun to its going down. The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Yet this transcendent God humbles Himself to behold the things in heaven and earth. He raises the poor out of the dust, lifts the needy from the dunghill, and sets them among princes. He makes the barren woman to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.
Key Themes
Universal and Eternal Praise
God's name is to be praised in every place and every time — from sunrise to sunset, now and forevermore.
God's Condescending Grace
The LORD is so high that He must humble Himself even to look at heaven — yet He stoops to lift the poorest and lowest to places of honor.
Reversal of Fortune
God specializes in reversals — raising beggars to sit with princes and giving barren women the joy of children.
Study Questions
What does it mean that God 'humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth' (v. 6)?
How does God's raising of the poor from the dust (v. 7) reflect His character?
Why is this psalm associated with Passover? How does it connect to the exodus?
How does the image of the barren woman becoming a joyful mother (v. 9) illustrate God's transforming power?
How does this psalm's vision of God challenge both distant views of God and overly casual ones?
Connection to Christ
Christ is the supreme expression of God humbling Himself — Philippians 2:5-8 describes Jesus, who was equal with God, humbling Himself to become a servant and die on a cross. He raised the spiritually poor from the dust and seated them in heavenly places. Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) echoes this psalm, celebrating how God lifts the humble.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 113. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?