Psalm 113 Study Notes

113:1 This psalm is one of a set of songs recited during Passover. The phrase servants of the Lord refers to the priests (134:1; 135:1). Yahweh’s name in the ancient Near East represented the revelation of his powerful presence and impeccable character (Ex 34:5-7; see note at Ps 20:1).

113:2 The blessing of God’s name means the recognition of his position of power and authority.

113:3 This verse forms a chiasm with v. 2, centering on God’s eternality. The travel of the sun across the sky is described in 19:4-6 as indicating God’s omniscience, and in 72:5,17 it is associated with the longevity of the kingly reign.

113:4 On the concept of God’s glory in heaven, see 99:2; 138:5; Is 57:15; Eph 3:10.

113:5 The rhetorical question who is like the Lord (cp. Ex 15:11) introduces a hymn praising the Lord. His enthronement on high denotes superiority and sovereignty (103:11; Is 7:11; 55:9).

113:6 The word for stoops down generally means to “humble or abase” (2:4; 18:16). God lowers himself from above the cosmos to consider his creation (33:13).

113:7 Just as the Lord lowers himself to gaze at his creation, so he lifts (lit “raises”) the poor and needy from the dust of the street and the trash heap, or ash pile—an unsanitary place where rubbish and filth were dumped (Jb 2:8; Lm 4:5).

113:8 In a role reversal, the Lord confers royal status to the humble, affirming the equal value of all human beings.

113:9 Barrenness often resulted in shame since the status of a woman was determined by her ability to bear children.