Hallelujah Psalm 113

Background Author and time unknown (many place it after return from Babylon) Very “generic” psalm calling for praise to YHWH Begins the “Hallel” (Ps. 113-118) Sung by Jews during Passover feast and several other occasions during the year

Hallelujah (1-3) “Praise the LORD” (YHWH) “Praise, you servants…” – while all will acknowledge Him (Phil. 2:10-12), the godly will gladly praise Him Psa. 22:23, 1 Pet. 1:7, Heb. 13:15 By example, other glorify Him – Matt. 5:16, 1 Pet. 2:12

Hallelujah (1-3) Isa. 12:4, Matt. 6:9 “Praise the name of the LORD” What’s in a name? Identity! The names of God identify Him Isa. 12:4, Matt. 6:9 Again, treat His name with reverence, Psa. 111:9, Exodus 20:7

Hallelujah (1-3) “From the rising of the sun…” Praising God always – daily and throughout the day Cf. 1 Thess. 5:17 (prayer) This is not vain repetition, but rather an emphasis of importance Col. 3:17

The Lord… (4-9) “…Is high above all nations” He created the WHOLE world! He is God of all nations – consider the prophets Cf. Jer. 23:23-24, Acts 10:34-36, Rev. 15:4 He is in control and worthy of our praise

The Lord… (4-9) “His glory above the heavens” Psalm 19:1-6 Creation praises Him, Rom. 1:20 Mankind is without excuse

The Lord… (4-9) “Who is like the LORD our God, who dwells on high…? His throne is in heaven His realm is spiritual – omnipresent and omnipotent Rev. 5:13, Isa. 66:1-2 (Ac 7:49-50) Mankind is without excuse

The Lord… (4-9) “Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?” He cares about His creation John 3:16, Psa. 8:4 (Heb. 2:6) This quality is unlike the gods of other world religions! 1 Peter 5:7

The Lord… (4-9) “He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy…seats him with princes” Like Him, we need to care about the poor and needy James 1:27, Prov. 19:17, Luke 14:12-14, Matt. 25:31-46, Eph. 4:28 God cares for the poor – salvation James 2:5, 1 Cor. 1:26-31

The Lord… (4-9) “He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children” The barren often thought of themselves as despised. The LORD used the “barren” to accomplish His will He delivered Israel He is able… Heb. 7:25, 2 Cor. 9:8, Rom. 14:4, etc.

Do I praise the LORD as I ought to?