Psalms
Summary
Psalm 113 is the first of the "Hallel" psalms (113-118), which were traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, including the Passover. It is a joyful call to the servants of the LORD to praise His name from the rising of the sun to its setting. The psalm celebrates God’s unique combination of transcendent majesty and immanent compassion: though He is seated on high above all nations, He stoops down to look upon the heavens and the earth. He reaches down to lift the needy from the dust and the ash heap, seating them with princes and giving the childless woman a home and children.
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,
who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.
He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD!