Psa 113-114 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Ps 113:1-118:29: Pss 113–118 These psalms form what is known as the “Egyptian Hallel” ( hallel means “praise”) because Jews use the collection in the celebration of Passover, which was instituted at the beginning of the exodus from Egypt. Psalms 113–114 are recited before the Passover meal and Pss 115–118 afterward. Summary for Ps 113:1-9: Ps 113 This hymn of praise exalts the greatness of the Lord’s name and glory. God is greatly exalted and glorious in heaven (113:4 ); he also stoops down to take care of the lowly and needy on earth (113:5-9 ). Summary for Ps 113:1-3: 113:1-3 The name of the Lord (Hebrew Yahweh; see Exod 3:15 ) reveals his being, character, and reputation. He is exalted in time ( now and forever ) and in space ( from east to west ).

Summary for Ps 113:1-118:29: Pss 113–118 ^a These psalms form what is known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (hallel means “praise”) because Jews use the collection in the celebration of Passover, which was instituted at the beginning of the exodus from Egypt. Psalms 113–114 ^b are recited before the Passover meal and Pss 115–118 ^c afterward.
Summary for Ps 113:1-9: Ps 113 ^d This hymn of praise exalts the greatness of the Lord’s name and glory. God is greatly exalted and glorious in heaven (113:4 ^e); he also stoops down to take care of the lowly and needy on earth (113:5-9 ^f).
Summary for Ps 113:1-3: 113:1-3 ^g The name of the Lord (Hebrew Yahweh; see Exod 3:15 ^h) reveals his being, character, and reputation. He is exalted in time (now and forever) and in space (from east to west).
113:4 ⁱ The Lord’s glory reaches to the heavens (57:5 ^j, 11 ^k; 99:2 ^l; 108:5 ^m; 138:6 ⁿ; Isa 6:1 ^o; 57:15 ^p) and throughout the world of human relationships.
Summary for Ps 113:5-9: 113:5-9 ^q The incomparable Lord intimately involves himself in caring for people on earth.
113:6 ^r The Lord stoops to the world’s level to be directly involved with his people (see 138:6 ^s; Phil 2:6-8 ^t).
Summary for Ps 113:7-8: 113:7-8 ^u These phrases are a quotation from Hannah’s prayer of praise (1 Sam 2:8-9a ^v).
113:9 ^w A childless woman was customarily treated with disdain (Gen 16:4 ^x); the Lord has the power to make her a happy mother, as he made Sarah (Gen 21:2 ^y), Rebekah (Gen 25:21 ^z), Rachel (Gen 30:23 ^aa), and Hannah (1 Sam 1:20 ^ab).

• God’s greatness and goodness provide ample reason to praise him.

‏ Psalms 114

Summary for Ps 114:1-8: Ps 114 ^ac This lyrical celebration of the Lord’s power in nature recalls Israel’s beginning as a nation at the Exodus (114:1-2 ^ad) and upon their entry to the Promised Land (114:3-6 ^ae). It promotes reverence for the God of Jacob (114:7-8 ^af).
Summary for Ps 114:1-2: 114:1-2 ^ag At the time of Israel’s exodus from Egypt and their entrance into the Promised Land, Israel was one holy kingdom (Exod 19:5-6 ^ah).

• The separate references to the land of Judah and Israel indicate that the psalm was composed after the kingdom was divided (1 Kgs 12:16-17 ^ai; cp. 1 Sam 11:8 ^aj; 1 Kgs 1:35 ^ak), and probably after the Exile. The land of Judah became God’s sanctuary because the people worshiped God; his Tabernacle and later his Temple were located there.
Summary for Ps 114:3-4: 114:3-4 ^al hurried out of their way! The waters divided for Israel to escape Egypt (77:17-18 ^am; Exod 14 ^an).

• The Jordan River turned away when Israel arrived to cross over (see Josh 3 ^ao).

• skipped like rams: God’s presence caused the mountains to quake (Exod 19:16-20 ^ap).
114:8 ^aq The Lord miraculously provided for his people in hard times after the Exile, just as he had done in the wilderness after the Exodus.