Psalm 113
Restored Israel Celebrating Jehovah Who is Universally Praised
Restored Israel Celebrating Jehovah Who is Universally Praised
Psalm 113. This is the third Psalm in the three-Psalm series that all begin with “Hallelujah”, although Psalm 113 ends with “Hallelujah”, making it a double-Hallelujah Psalm. This Psalm, an orphan Psalm but likely written by David, describes the praise of Israel in the Millennium. The praise is more universal in this Psalm, opening up to include the whole earth; “from the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same”.
PSALM 113
1 Hallelujah! Praise, ye servants of Jehovah, praise the name of Jehovah.
2 Blessed be the name of Jehovah, from this time forth and for evermore!
3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, let Jehovah’s name be praised.
4 Jehovah is high above all nations, his glory above the heavens.
vv.1-4 Jehovah to Be Universally Praised. Restored Israel calls on all the “servants of Jehovah” to praise Him for ever. This praise is to be universal; “from the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same” (see Mal. 1:11). Jehovah is exalted “high above all nations, his glory above the heavens”.
5 Who is like unto Jehovah our God, who hath placed his dwelling on high;
6 Who humbleth himself to look on the heavens and on the earth?
7 “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust; from the dung-hill he lifteth up the needy,
8 To set him among nobles, among the nobles of his people.” [quote 1 Sam. 2:8]
9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, as a joyful mother of sons. Hallelujah!
vv.5-9 Jehovah Praised as Superior to All Circumstances. The Lord will be praised for His greatness, dwelling above the heavens, yet condescending to look down upon the heavens and earth (vv.5-6). From His place of sovereignty and superiority, Jehovah has demonstrated His Lordship over all circumstances. Jehovah is praised for lifting up the poor and needy, and giving children to the barren, etc. This is very similar to the sentiments of Hannah’s prayer, and vv.7-8 may be a quote from 1 Sam. 2:8! This may be a reference to Israel as a nation, “Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD” (Isa. 54:1). The Psalm ends with “Hallelujah”, making it a double-Hallelujah Psalm.