Psalms - Chapter 113

Psalms 113.1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Psalms 113.2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Psalms 113.3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised. Psalms 113.4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Psalms 113.5 Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Psalms 113.6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! Psalms 113.7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; Psalms 113.8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. Psalms 113.9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms : Chapter 113

God's Praise and Compassion in Psalm 113

Psalm 113 marks the beginning of the "Hallel Psalms," hymns of praise that celebrate God's greatness. This text invites us to reflect on how divine magnificence is manifested through His concern for the humble and marginalized. By exalting God's majesty, the Psalm contrasts His transcendence with His compassion for those in need.

This psalm calls us to universal worship, while highlighting the uniqueness of God, who lifts up the humble. Through this reflection, we invite you to explore five biblical passages that resonate with the themes of praise and divine compassion expressed in this joyful psalm.

Luke 1:52-53

"He put down the rulers from their thrones, but exalted the lowly. He filled the hungry with good things, but sent the rich away empty." » This song of Mary perfectly illustrates the themes of Psalm 113 by highlighting God's action in lifting up the humble.

1 Samuel 2:8

"Lift up the needy from the dust and the poor from the dunghill, that they may sit with princes and inherit a place of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's; upon them he has set the world." » Hannah's statement resonates with Psalm 113:7-8, affirming that God resurrects the poor and grants them new dignity.

Isaiah 57:15

"For thus says the High and Most High, who lives forever and whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in a high and holy place, but I also dwell with those who are of a contrite and humble spirit, to give fresh encouragement to the spirit of the humble and new breath in the hearts of the contrite.' » This verse illustrates God's greatness and His commitment to the humble, in line with Psalm 113:5-6.

Malachi 1:11

"From the rising of the sun even to the west, my name shall be great among the nations. Everywhere they shall bring incense and pure offerings to my name, for my name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. » This prophecy echoes Psalm 113:3, affirming that the name of the Lord is praised throughout the world.

Philippians 2:9-11

"Therefore God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. » This Christological hymn resonates with Psalm 113:4, celebrating the glory of the Lord above all nations.

As we meditate on these passages, we are invited to recognize and celebrate the infinite goodness of God, who cares for the humble and lifts up those in need. May our praise be an echo of this divine truth.