Psalm 113: Who Is Like the Lord Our God?
Best for: Passover, praising God's compassion, infertility
Psalm 113 ("Who Is Like the Lord Our God?") is a praise psalm best read for passover, praising god's compassion, infertility. Psalm 113 begins the 'Egyptian Hallel' (Psalms 113-118), sung at Passover. It calls servants of the Lord to praise His name from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof.
Overview
Psalm 113 begins the 'Egyptian Hallel' (Psalms 113-118), sung at Passover. It calls servants of the Lord to praise His name from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof. God is exalted above all nations yet humbles Himself to regard things in heaven and earth.
He raises the poor from the dust and gives the barren woman a home as a joyful mother of children.
Key Verses
"Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!"— Psalm 113:5-6 (KJV)
"He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD."— Psalm 113:9 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
The most exalted Being in the universe humbles Himself to care for the lowest — the poor in the dust, the barren woman longing for a child. God's greatness is shown most clearly in His compassion for the small.
Historical Context
The first of the 'Egyptian Hallel' psalms (113-118) sung at Passover. Jesus would have sung this psalm at the Last Supper. It celebrates God who 'raises the poor from the dust' and 'lifts the needy from the ash heap'—a God whose greatness is shown in His condescension.
How to Apply This Today
God's greatness is not demonstrated by His distance from suffering but by His closeness to the suffering. He 'humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth.' If the God of the universe stoops down, how much more should we?
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 113
Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the ash heap. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 113 about?
Psalm 113 begins the 'Egyptian Hallel' (Psalms 113-118), sung at Passover. It calls servants of the Lord to praise His name from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof. God is exalted above all nations yet humbles Himself to regard things in heaven and earth. He raises the poor from the dust and gives the barren woman a home as a joyful mother of children.
What does Psalm 113 teach us?
The most exalted Being in the universe humbles Himself to care for the lowest — the poor in the dust, the barren woman longing for a child. God's greatness is shown most clearly in His compassion for the small.
What are the key themes of Psalm 113?
The key themes of Psalm 113 include: Praise, God's Humility, Lifting the Poor, Barrenness to Joy.
When should I read Psalm 113?
Psalm 113 is especially meaningful for: Passover, praising God's compassion, infertility. The overall mood is exalted, tender.
How can I apply Psalm 113 to my life?
God's greatness is not demonstrated by His distance from suffering but by His closeness to the suffering. He 'humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth.' If the God of the universe stoops down, how much more should we?
Continue Studying Themes from Psalm 113
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