Read & explore together
The LORD Exalts the Humble
Psalm 113 is a song that calls Yahweh’s servants to praise him. It moves from a wide call to worship, to Yahweh’s unmatched greatness, and then to his care for people in lowly places.
Understanding the passage
Read these words in context
This poem speaks directly to the servants of Yahweh and centres on Yahweh’s name. It says his praise belongs across all time and from sunrise to sunset. The psalm then describes Yahweh as exalted above nations and heavens, yet attentive to the poor, the needy, and the barren woman.
Psalms 113:1–9Main takeaway
Psalm 113 praises Yahweh as higher than all, yet deeply attentive to people in need.
Explore the poem and its images
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Praise Yahweh’s name alwaysThe psalm begins with a repeated call to praise. The servants of Yahweh are addressed directly, and Yahweh’s name is the focus.
Explanation
The psalm begins with a repeated call to praise. The servants of Yahweh are addressed directly, and Yahweh’s name is the focus. His name is to be blessed not just for a moment, but from now on and forever. The opening sets a strong tone of worship and honour.
02Praise that reaches everywhereVerse 3 stretches this praise across the whole day, from sunrise to sunset. Then the reason is given: Yahweh is high above all nations, and his glory is above the heavens.
Explanation
Verse 3 stretches this praise across the whole day, from sunrise to sunset. Then the reason is given: Yahweh is high above all nations, and his glory is above the heavens. The psalm lifts our eyes upward, showing that Yahweh’s greatness is beyond every nation and above the skies.
03The high God who notices the lowlyThe question, “Who is like Yahweh, our God?” points to his uniqueness. He is seated on high, yet stoops down to see heaven and earth.
Explanation
The question, “Who is like Yahweh, our God?” points to his uniqueness. He is seated on high, yet stoops down to see heaven and earth. The psalm then shows his care by raising the poor and needy, and by settling the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Who is called to praise Yahweh, and how long is that praise to continue?
Notice who is addressed in the first verse and the time words in the second verse.
02What words show Yahweh’s greatness over the world and the heavens?
Look for phrases about nations, heavens, and Yahweh’s high place.
03Which lowly people are mentioned, and what does Yahweh do for them?
List each person or group in the closing verses and describe the change named in the psalm.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Psalms 113:1–9
1Praise Yah! Praise, you servants of Yahweh, praise Yahweh’s name.
2Blessed be Yahweh’s name, from this time forward and forever more.
3From the rising of the sun to its going down, Yahweh’s name is to be praised.
4Yahweh is high above all nations, his glory above the heavens.
5Who is like Yahweh, our God, who has his seat on high,
6who stoops down to see in heaven and on the earth?
7He raises up the poor out of the dust, and lifts up the needy from the ash heap,
8that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
9He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children. Praise Yah!