Psalm 113:4-8 NIV

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 113:5

Verse 5 5Who is like unto Jehovah our God The prophet strengthens his position for the celebration of God’s praises, by contrasting the height of his glory and power with his unbounded goodness. Not that his goodness can be separated from his glory; but this distinction is made out of regard to men, who would not be able to endure his majesty, were he not kindly to humble himself, and gently and kindly draw us towards him. The amount is, that God’s dwelling above the heavens, at such a distance... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 113:7

Verse 7 7Who raiseth the poor from the dust In this passage, he speaks in terms of commendation of God’s providential care in relation to those diversified changes which men are disposed to regard as accidental. He declares that it is solely by the appointment of God that things undergo changes far surpassing our anticipations. If the course of events were always uniform, men would ascribe it merely to natural causes, whereas, the vicissitudes which take place teach us that all things are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:1-9

The composition falls into three stanzas of three verses each. In the first ( Psalms 113:1-3 ) the servants of the Lord are called upon to praise him. In the second ( Psalms 113:4-6 ) God is praised in the heavens, with respect to his glory there. In the third ( Psalms 113:7-9 ) he is eulogized in respect of his great doings upon the earth. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:1-9

Reasons for reverential praise. The force of the psalmist's summons in the opening verse is felt as we proceed through the psalm itself, and when we reach the end of it; for there are brought out— I. THE CONSTANCY OF GOD 'S GOODNESS . In no less than three verses (1-3) the Lord's Name is put for himself. This is significant of the Divine constancy. The name of the Lord is never dissociated from the same class of thoughts and deeds. It is so invariably connected with these... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:4

The Lord is high above all nations . As being "the great King over all the earth" ( Psalms 47:2 ). And his glory above the heavens . "The heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain him" ( 2 Chronicles 6:18 ). It is a "humbling of himself" to "behold the things that are in heaven and earth" (see Psalms 113:6 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5

Who is like unto the Lord our God ? (comp. Psalms 89:6 ; Isaiah 40:18 , Isaiah 40:25 ). The highest created being does not approach within anything but an immeasurable distance of God. Who dwelleth on high ; or, "who sitteth enthroned on high." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5

Likenesses to God. "Who is like unto the Lord our God?" The precise point here may be thus expressed: "Who as he combines majesty with condescension?" Both heaven and earth, glorious and wonderful though they are, are alike immeasurably below the majesty of God. The psalmist evidently has the idolatry in mind which seeks for suggestions of God's figure either in heaven or in earth. No fitting ones can be found. They are all made things; and the maker is always grander than the things he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5-8

The Divine nature and character. "Who is like unto the Lord our God," etc.? The views we form of God's nature and character are of the highest importance. I. GOD 'S INCOMPARABLE MAJESTY . (See the fortieth chapter of Isaiah.) But his moral greater than his physical greatness. II. GOD 'S CONDESCENSION . "Humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth." Displays a deep and everlasting interest in the works of his hands. 1. Great men stoop to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:6

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth. It is a condescension in God to regard even "the things that are in heaven," since the very "heavens are not clean in his sight" ( Job 15:15 ). Much more is it a condescension in him to behold the gross material things of earth. Yet he gives them his constant care and attention, since otherwise they would cease to be. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:6

The relative value of earthly things. There is no absolute value in them. God cannot be thought of as interested in them for their own sakes. He humbles himself to regard them because of the relation his people bear to them, and because of the influence they have upon his people. Of him it has been suggestively said, "He stoops to view the skies, and bows to see what angels do." This we say of God, because we have the revelation of him as a Moral Being, with moral as well as natural... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 113:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 113:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:1-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:1-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:6

Group of Brands