Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
Psalms 113
Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.
Commentary Notes
Psalms 113:1
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).
Psalms 113:3
3. From the rising, &c.—all the world.
Psalms 113:4
4-6. God's exaltation enhances His condescension;
Psalms 113:7
7, 8. which condescension is illustrated as often in raising the worthy poor and needy to honor (compare 1Sa 2:8; Ps 44:25).
Psalms 113:9
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.