Psalms 113 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Psalm 113

Who Is like the Lord Our God?

113:1   Praise the LORD!
  Praise, O servants of the LORD,
    praise the name of the LORD!
2   Blessed be the name of the LORD
    from this time forth and forevermore!
3   From the rising of the sun to its setting,
    the name of the LORD is to be praised!
4   The LORD is high above all nations,
    and his glory above the heavens!
5   Who is like the LORD our God,
    who is seated on high,
6   who looks far down
    on the heavens and the earth?
7   He raises the poor from the dust
    and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8   to make them sit with princes,
    with the princes of his people.
9   He gives the barren woman a home,
    making her the joyous mother of children.
  Praise the LORD!

Commentary

The Majesty and Condescension of God.

v1-3: Our praise must be directed to God; that is stated here four times. There is a danger that we just praise, enjoying the singing, the music, the atmosphere, without considering the Lord God Himself. Praise without reference to God is not praise. We are commanded to praise forever and everywhere, Mal 1.11.

v4-6: God is great, He is high over all; no one can compare with the true God. This is a reason to praise God.

v7-9: A further reason to praise God; for He is concerned for people; the poor and needy and barren receive special blessing from Him, as He lifts up those who are low.