Psalm 113

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:3

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same (comp. Malachi 1:3 ; i . e . all over the world, from the furthest east to the furthest west. The Lord's Name is to be praised ; or, "praised be the Name of the Lord" (Kay). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:3

Universal praise. "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord's Name is to be praised." These figures may be taken as representing two notes of universality. 1. From morning to evening, covering all time. 2. From east to west, covering all space. Note that the two conditions of human thought are "time" and "space." All space is filled with reasons for praise. All time should be filled with the spirit of praise. I. TIME FILLED WITH PRAISE . It... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust . Heaven is full of his glory, earth of his mercy and loving-kindness. The words of 1 Samuel 2:8 are, consciously or unconsciously, quoted. And lifteth the needy out of the dunghill ; rather, from the dunghill (Revised Version). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:3

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7

Verse of the Day

Daily Devotional

Group of Brands