Psa 113 | MHM | STEP | A Call to Praise God; God's Greatness and Condescension This psalm invites us to honor and praise the Lord because of his greatness and his kindness to all people. The call to praise is repeated many times, showing us that praising God is important and should be done often. God is not only high and glorious, far above all nations and even the heavens, but he also cares for the lowly on earth. He lifts up the poor and gives joy to those who were once sad or forgotten. In all of this, we see both his power and his gentle care for the humble. v. 1 : The psalm begins with a strong invitation: Praise the Lord ! All who serve God are called to praise him. Praising God is a joyful and important duty for his people (Psalm 113:1; 1 Peter 2:9 ).

‏ Psalms 113

A Call to Praise God; God's Greatness and Condescension

This psalm invites us to honor and praise the Lord because of his greatness and his kindness to all people. The call to praise is repeated many times, showing us that praising God is important and should be done often. God is not only high and glorious, far above all nations and even the heavens, but he also cares for the lowly on earth. He lifts up the poor and gives joy to those who were once sad or forgotten. In all of this, we see both his power and his gentle care for the humble.

v. 1: The psalm begins with a strong invitation: Praise the Lord! All who serve God are called to praise him. Praising God is a joyful and important duty for his people (Psalm 113:1; 1 Peter 2:9 ^a).

v. 2: We should bless God’s name forever, not just today but for all generations. God deserves to be praised now and always, by us and by those who come after us .

v. 3: God’s name should be praised all around the world, from sunrise to sunset. This means people everywhere, in every land, should honor the Lord. God deserves praise from every place and every nation (Psalm 113:3; Malachi 1:11 ^b).

v. 4: The Lord is high above all nations and his glory is above the heavens. No one on earth or in heaven is like him. He is greater than every king and every nation .

v. 5: The psalmist asks, Who is like the Lord our God? There is no one who can compare to him. He dwells in the highest place, ruling over all, yet he cares for all creation .

v. 6: God is so great that he must humble himself even to look at the heavens and the earth. He notices everyone and everything, even though he is so high and powerful (Psalm 113:6; Job 36:5 ^c; Daniel 4:35 ^d).

v. 7: God raises the poor from the dust and lifts up those in need from low places. He has the power to change people’s lives in amazing ways. God chooses to help those who are humble and forgotten by others (Psalm 113:7; 1 Samuel 2:6-8 ^e; 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 ^f).

v. 8: He sets the poor and needy with princes, giving them a place of honor. God sometimes surprises the world by lifting up the humble and giving them great blessings .

v. 9: God makes the barren woman a joyful mother of children. He brings happiness to those who have felt left out or alone. Just as God gave children to Sarah, Hannah, and others, he can turn sorrow into joy for anyone who trusts him (Psalm 113:9; Luke 1:14 ^g; Isaiah 54:1; Galatians 4:27 ^h).