1. Hallelujah
Psalm 113

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Do I praise the LORD as I ought to?