PSALM 113

Ps 113:1-9. God's majesty contrasted with His condescension and gracious dealings towards the humble furnish matter and a call for praise. The Jews, it is said, used this and Psalms 114-118 on their great festivals, and called them the Greater Hallel, or Hymn.

1-3. Earnestness and zeal are denoted by the emphatic repetitions.
- servants of the Lord--or, all the people of God.
- name of the Lord--perfections (Ps 5:11; 111:9).

3. From the rising, &c.--all the world.

4-6. God's exaltation enhances His condescension;

7, 8. which condescension is illustrated as often in raising the worthy poor and needy to honor (compare 1Sa 2:8; Ps 44:25).

9. On this special case, compare 1Sa 2:21. Barrenness was regarded as a disgrace, and is a type of a deserted Church (Isa 54:1).
- the barren woman . . . house--literally, "the barren of the house," so that the supplied words may be omitted.