Psalm 113

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 113:1

Verse 1 1Praise, ye servants of Jehovah! This psalm contains abundant reasons for all men without exception to praise God. The faithful alone being endued with spiritual perception to recognize the hand of God, the prophet addresses them in particular. And if we consider how cold and callous men are in this religious exercise, we will not deem the repetition of the call to praise God superfluous. We all acknowledge that we are created to praise God’s name, while, at the same time, his glory is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 113:2

Verse 2 2Blessed be the name of Jehovah The prophet confirms what I stated above, that the praises of God must be continued throughout the whole course of our life. If his name is to be continually praised, it ought, at least, to be our earnest endeavor, during our brief pilgrimage here, that the remembrance of it may flourish after we are dead. In the next verse, he extends the glory of God’s name to all parts of the earth; wherefore our apathy will be totally inexcusable, if we do not make... read more

John Calvin

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 113:9

Verse 9 9Who maketh the barren woman to dwell in the family He relates another work of God, which if, apparently, not so notable, ought not, on that account, the less to engage our thoughts. Unimpressed as we are by the ordinary works of God, we are constrained to express our astonishment when a woman who has been for a long period barren, unexpectedly becomes the mother of a numerous family. The Hebrew term, הבית, habbayith, is to be understood, not simply of a house, but also of a household,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:1

Praise ye the Lord (comp. Psalms 104:35 ; Psalms 105:45 ; Psalms 106:1 , Psalms 106:48 ; Psalms 111:1 ; Psalms 112:1 ). Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the Name of the Lord. By "ye servants of the Lord ," all faithful Israelites are certainly intended; but the phrase need not be absolutely limited to them (comp. Psalms 113:3 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:1

Servant-reasons for praise. "Praise, O ye servants of the Lord." This psalm is the first of the series called the "Hallel," which was sung in connection with the annual Jewish festivals, and especially at the Passover and Feast of Tabernacles. This and the following psalm were sung before the second cup. We need not think, however, that these psalms were composed for use at the feasts with which they were afterwards associated. Only Jewish minds could recognize any particular fitness for... 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 113:2

Blessed be the Name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. The prayer here is that God may be praised through all time, as in the next verse it is that he may be praised through all space. In connection with the praise of God, limits of time and place are unsuitable (comp. Psalms 115:18 ; Psalms 121:8 ; Psalms 125:1-5 :8; Psalms 131:3 ; Isaiah 59:21 ; Micah 4:7 ). read more

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