PSALM 113

Praise Him! 

Psalms 113-118 are called the “Hallel” (praise) and were commonly read and sung during the great Jewish festivals. The psalmist in Psalm 113 calls upon the “servants of the Lord” to praise His name. This psalm is divided into three sections: Praise the Great Name of God (113:1-3), Praise the Great Majesty of God (113:4-6), and Praise the Great Mercy of God (113:7-9). 

The psalmist begins with a call to all believers to praise the name of the Lord. His name is how God has a revealed Himself in His works and manifestations (113:2). He is to be praised all over the world, from east to west (113:3). Brethren, His name is His reputation; and to “bless” His name is to enrich His reputation through our witness and praise in this word. 

Believers should praise the Lord for His great majesty. He is unparalleled in His greatness over the nations (113:4). There is none like the Lord our God, who rules as sovereign on high (113:5). Yet, He is no so transcendent that He does not stoop to take care of His people on the earth (113:6). Brethren, though our God is all powerful and incomparable, He is full of love for His people. 

Believers should praise the Lord because of His great mercy. God helps His people that are in need (113:7). No matter how lowly they are, God delights in exalting them (113:8). Know that God humbles the proud and exalts the humble (Matt 23:12). The Lord also shows His mercy to faithful women who are barren (113:9). He has done this many times in Scripture (Sarah, Rebekah, Samson’s mother, Hannah, Elizabeth). Brethren, know that God always exalts and blesses the faithful; not always in this life, for vindication and reward come in the next. Praise the Lord!