Psalms 113:5-9

5 Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,

6 who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;

8 he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.

9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

Psalms 113:5-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 113

With this psalm begins the great "Hallel", which ends with Psalm 118; and was used to be sung at the Jewish festivals, particularly at the feast of tabernacles and of the passover; and is thought by some to be the hymn sung by Christ and his apostles, after the celebration of the Lord's supper; in which there are many things pertinent to that occasion as well as to the above feasts. This psalm is a song of praise for redemption by Christ, to be sung in Gospel times, when the name of the Lord should be known among all nations, from the rising to the setting sun. It is thought by some to be an abridgment of the song of Hannah, 1Sa 2:1-10, there is an agreement.

Cross References

• 1. S Exodus 8:10; S Psalms 35:10; Psalms 89:6
• 2. S Psalms 103:19
• 3. S Job 16:19
• 4. Psalms 11:4; Psalms 138:6; Isaiah 57:15
• 5. 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 35:10; Psalms 68:10; Psalms 140:12
• 6. Psalms 107:41
• 7. S 2 Samuel 9:11; Job 36:7
• 8. S 1 Samuel 2:5; Psalms 68:6; Isaiah 54:1