The big picture
Praise reaches from the course of the sun to the plight of people at the bottom. The Lord stands above nations and heavens, yet looks down to see those beneath him. The poem gives two examples of changed lives: a poor person gains a seat of honour, and a childless woman becomes a glad mother. High rank does not make God remote in this song. His greatness includes his care for people others overlook.
In this chapter
- Praise Reaches Across Earth and Time Psalms 113:1-6
The servants of the Lord are called to praise his name now and always.
- The Poor Receive a Seat of Honour Psalms 113:7-9
God raises the needy from dust and refuse, then seats them beside princes.
Central truth
Above all nations, the Lord deserves praise for stooping to lift poor people and bring joy to the childless.
Scripture beside the summary
Psalms · King James Version · 9Psalms 113:1-6
Praise Reaches Across Earth and Time
The servants of the Lord are called to praise his name now and always. From sunrise to sunset, his name deserves honour. Nations do not set the bounds of his greatness, nor do the heavens reach above it. The song asks who is like this God. Even to look at heaven and earth, he stoops from his high place. That image does not place him beyond care. It prepares for the help described next. The one above all things chooses to attend to what is below.
In everyday life
A concert soloist leaves the raised platform after her final bow and kneels to hear a child speaking from a low seat. The hall still rings with applause, but she gives the small voice her full attention. Her honoured place does not prevent her from bending down. The psalm describes God's greatness above heaven, far beyond human rank.
Notice
Psalms 113:6 Even heaven lies below the God who stoops to look. The image makes his care for those below a choice within his greatness.
Psalms 113:1-6
King James Version1Praise 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!
Psalms 113:7-9
The Poor Receive a Seat of Honour
God raises the needy from dust and refuse, then seats them beside princes. The change is more than getting enough food for one day. It brings people from a place of shame into one of public honour. The song then turns to a woman without children. God gives her a home filled with the joy of motherhood. These are concrete pictures of reversal, not a schedule for every person's life. The praise rests on a God who sees lowly people and has power to change their place.
In everyday life
A housing volunteer brings a former rough sleeper into the tenants' meeting and sets a chair beside the committee. He unfolds his notes and begins to speak about the building's needs. He is being heard as a neighbour with a place there. A key has led to more than shelter. The psalm's reversals also include God giving children to a childless woman.
Notice
Psalms 113:8 The raised person sits with princes rather than remaining at the edge of the room. The change includes standing and belonging, as well as relief from poverty.
Psalms 113:7-9
King James Version7He 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.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Psalms 113:1 begins with “Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.”
Where the chapter turns
Psalms 113:5 forms a natural hinge: “Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,”
The final note
Psalms 113:9 leaves the reader with “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words LORD, Praise, name, high, princes, barren help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
KJV words made clear
- dunghill
- A heap of refuse or dung, an image of deep poverty here.
Music and video connected to the passage
Related media appears when its Scripture reference overlaps this study. Music and video can illuminate a theme while the biblical text remains the foundation.
