Psalms 113 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 113 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

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).

Psalm 113:1–3 encourages all who believe in the Lord to worship Him continually and forever. This psalm often uses the Hebrew term presented in English as "hallelujah," Literally meaning "praise the Lord!" What follows are celebrations of God's divine attributes and power.

Psalm 113:4–9 expands on the introduction (Psalm 113:1–3) by pointing out God's absolute power. His sovereignty means He alone is above all created things. At the same time, the Lord is loving and merciful to those He has created. Examples of this love are His care of the poor and restoration of the disadvantaged.

Chapter Summary:

This song begins and ends with a Hebrew phrase rendered in English as "hallelujah," meaning "Praise the LORD!" The psalmist calls on God's people to worship the Lord forever. God's power and loving nature are also celebrated. Psalms 113—118 are related songs often used for festival celebrations.

Chapter Context:

Psalms 113—118 are known as "the Egyptian Hallel." This collection was used at celebrations such as Passover (Matthew 26:30), which remembered Israel's rescue from Egyptian slavery (Psalm 114:1). The term "Hallelujah" comes from the Hebrew combination of halal and Yah, or halelu-yāh, typically translated as "praise the LORD!" The words of Psalm 136, or sometimes Psalms 120—136, are referred to as "the Great Hallel" for similar reasons.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/21/2024 4:36:43 AM