Psalm 113:7-8 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7

God the Remover of disabilities. "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust." The expressions used in this and the following verse are taken from the song of Hannah (see 1 Samuel 2:1-10 ), and similar expressions are found in the song of the Virgin Mary (see Luke 1:51-53 ). Historical illustrations of the passage may be found in the careers of Gideon, King Saul, and David. The psalmist may have in mind the restoration of the nation from the Babylonish captivity, which was an extreme... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7-8

The overflowing gratitude of the saved soul. How intense is the fervor of praise with which this psalm is full! The soul of the psalmist can scarce contain itself, and we are inevitably led to inquire into the reason and occasion of such gratitude. It is told of in the verses before us. No doubt the salvation spoken of was primarily a national one; it was Israel who had been so visited of God. It was Israel who was sunk so low in misery and degradation-sunk down to the dust and the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:8

That he may set him with princes. The words of 1 Samuel 2:8 are still followed. (For the sentiment, see also Job 36:7 .) Historically, the statement is illustrated by the examples of Joseph, Saul, David, Daniel, Mordecai. Even with the princes of his people . Not merely with heathen princes, but with those who exercise sovereignty over Israel, as Joseph with Pharaoh, Daniel with Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus, Mordecai with Ahasuerus or Xerxes. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 113:7

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust - From the most humble condition in life. He exalts them to conditions of wealth, rank, honor. He has power to do this; he actually does it. This is not intended to be affirmed as a universal truth, or to assert that it is always done, but that it is among the things which show his majesty, his power, and his goodness, and which lay the foundation for praise.And lifteth the needy out of the dunghill - From the condition of lowest poverty. Instances are... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 113:8

That he may set him with princes - May give him a rank - a position - with nobles and great people upon the earth. Many instances of this nature have occurred in the history of the world. Not a few of the nobles of England, including several of its lord chancellors, have been raised thus from very humble life; and in every nation God shows that he has power to give to those of humblest rank a name and place which no hereditary titles and honors can bestow: thus Shakespeare was the son of a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 113:7-8

Psalms 113:7-8. He raiseth up the poor Yet, great and glorious as he is, he stoops so low as to regard and advance those whom all men, even their own brethren, slight and despise; out of the dust, &c. From a most contemptible and miserable condition; that he may set him with princes In equal honour and power with them, as he did Joseph, David, and others; even with the princes of his people, who, in God’s account, and in truth, are far more honourable and happy than the princes of... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 113:1-9

Psalms 113-114 When hope seems gonePsalms 113:0 to 118 form a collection called the Hallel. Israelites sang the Hallel at various annual festivals, the most important of which was the Passover. They sang Psalms 113:0 and 114 before eating the meal, and Psalms 115:0 to 118 after (cf. Matthew 26:30).From east to west, now and for ever, God is worthy to be worshipped by those who serve him (113:1-4). Although he is enthroned in the highest place, he is concerned about his creatures on earth (5-6).... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 113:7

the poor = an impoverished one. the needy = a needy one. Compare 1 Samuel 2:8 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 113:8

with princes . . . with the princes. Figure of speech Anadiplosis ( App-6 ), for emphasis. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 113:8-9

Psalms 113:8-9. That he may set him with princes— There is a plain reference here to Hannah's case and prayer. See 1Sa 2:8 and 2 Samuel 7:8-9. He maketh the barren, &c. may be rendered, according to the original, He settleth the barren in a family; i.e. "causeth her who was barren to have a large family, by making her a joyful mother, &c." REFLECTIONS.—This psalm seems to refer to the times of the gospel, and to the great salvation accomplished by Jesus our Redeemer. 1. The Psalmist,... read more