Psalms 113

Psalms 113-118 form the Hallel, or Hymn of Praise, which according to Jewish liturgical usage is sung at the three great Festivals of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, at the Festival of the Dedication, and at the New Moons (with the exception of the New Year). At the domestic celebration of the Passover, Psalms 113, 114 are sung before the meal, Psalms 115-118 after it, when the fourth cup has been filled. It was probably the hymn sung by our Lord and His disciples before they left the upper chamber (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26). This group of Psalms is also called the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 114:1). The term Great Hallel is also used, but ancient Jewish authorities were not agreed as to its meaning. According to one view it denoted Psalms 136; according to another, Psalms 120-136; according to a third, Psalms 135, 136. (Levy-Fleischer, Neuhebr. Wörterbuch, i. 473 a.) The choice of three Psalms from the Hallel (113, 114, 118) as the Proper Psalms for Evensong on Easter Day marks the connexion of the Christian Festival with the Jewish Festival which it succeeded. This Psalm evidently belongs to the post-exilic period, and expresses the gratitude of Israel for its restoration from the Captivity. It is “a connecting link between the Song of Hannah and the Magnificat of the Virgin” (Bp Perowne). It is a call to praise Jehovah, Who, though enthroned in majesty in heaven, condescends to care for the weak and lowly on the earth. It consists of three equal stanzas. i. A call to the universal and unceasing praise of Jehovah (Psalms 113:1-3). ii. His exaltation and condescension (Psalms 113:4-6). iii. Instances of His condescension (Psalms 113:7-9).

Psalms 113:1-3

1–3. A call to praise Jehovah’s name universally and unendingly.

Psalms 113:3

3. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same] Throughout the world from east to west (Psalms 50:1). Cp. Malachi 1:11; Zephaniah 3:9.

Psalms 113:4-6

4–6. The ground of praise, Jehovah’s exaltation and condescension. 4 a. Cp. Psalms 99:2. 4 b. Cp. Psalms 57:5; Psalms 57:11; Psalms 8:1. 5 a. Cp. Exodus 15:11; Deuteronomy 3:24. 5 b, 6. The structure of these lines—lit. Who exalteth himself to sit, Who humbleth himself to see, in heaven and in earth—makes it probable that in heaven and in earth belong to the two preceding lines respectively. Keble’s paraphrase expresses it excellently, “Exalting still His holy place, Low bending still His eye of grace, In heaven above, in earth below.” The point is Jehovah’s condescension. Though He sits enthroned on high in heaven, yet He stoops to regard the earth. He is not “careless of mankind,” as heathen gods were often supposed to be. For the thought cp. Psalms 138:6; Isaiah 57:15.

Psalms 113:7-9

7–9. Examples of Jehovah’s gracious condescension.

Psalms 113:8

8. ‘To dwell’ or ‘sit with princes’ is a figure for elevation to the highest rank and dignity[72]. So Job 36:7, “[God] withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings upon the throne he setteth them for ever, and they are exalted.” Cp. 2 Samuel 9:7. [72] According to the Massoretic text the Chireq compaginis or binding vowel, which is characteristic of this Psalm (Psalms 113:5-7; Psalms 113:9), is here attached to the infinitive. But it is almost certain that, with the LXX, μּ ?δεωιαε ‘to set him,’ should be read for μδεωιαι.

Psalms 113:9

9. He maketh the barren housewife to dwell As a joyful mother of sons. He gives her a secure and happy position in her home. The reference in Psalms 113:6-7 to the Song of Hannah suggests this further reference to the experience of Hannah, as an instance of the way in which Jehovah has compassion on those who are despised. But doubtless under the figure of the once childless wife gladdened with a family of sons the Psalmist intends to allude to Zion. Cp. Isaiah 54:1; Isaiah 66:8. So the Targum: “Who maketh the congregation of Israel, which was like a barren woman mourning for the men of her household, to be full of crowds, like a mother who rejoiceth over sons.” Praise ye the Lord] In the LXX this Hallelujah is transferred, perhaps rightly, to the beginning of Psalms 114. See on Psalms 104:35.