What does Psalm chapter 113 mean?

This psalm is one of several used at major celebrations, such as the feasts of Passover or Tabernacles. It prominently features the Hebrew word halelu-yāh. This combination literally refers to "praise" and "God [Yahweh]," and is typically rendered in English as "hallelujah."

God's people are called to worship Him eternally and at all times. God's "name" is emphasized. This means more than the syllables or symbols used to identify the Lord. His "name" represents His reputation and character. To praise and honor the name of the Lord means acknowledging all that He is (Psalm 113:1–3).

Reasons to honor the name of the Lord include His sovereign nature. This means that God is the absolute and unquestioned master of all. He is the Creator who sits "above" His creation and is not subject to it. Other Old Testament writings (Isaiah 40:22; 55:8–9; Psalm 95:3) also emphasize God's unquestioned supremacy (Psalm 113:4–6).

The Lord is also kind and loving to those He has created. Those fallen into dirt represent the defeated and suffering (Amos 2:7). Ashes were often used to represent mourning (Job 2:8; Jonah 3:6; Jeremiah 6:26). Barren women, in the Old Testament era, were looked on with pity and had few hopes of a secure future. Rather than simply allowing creation to unwind itself, the Lord God chooses to interact with mankind. This often means rescuing us from dire circumstances. Verses 7 and 8 echo similar a similar statement from 1 Samuel 2:8, which also relates to a barren woman who eventually has a child (1 Samuel 1:2, 22). These are reasons to honor and worship His name (Psalm 113:7–9).