Psalms 113

This Psalm is a declaration of Gods powerful and universal providence towards all men, and especially towards his afflicted people.

PRaise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD Ye Levites, who are peculiarly devoted to this solemn work, who sometimes are called Gods servants in a special sense, and all you faithful souls.: praise the Name of the LORD.

Blessed be the Name of the LORD, from this time forth and for evermore

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same From one end of the world to the other; from East to West, which he mentions rather than from North to South, because those parts of the world were at this time much uninhabited and unknown., the LORD's Name is to be praised For his glorious works of Creation and Providence, the benefit of which all Nations enjoy; and for his gracious purpose and promise of bringing in all Nations to the knowledge of his truth by the Messias..

The LORD is high above all nations Superiour to all Princes and bodies of people in the world., and his glory above the heavens Whereas the glory of earthly Monarchs is confined to this lower world and to small pittances of it, the glory of God does not only fill the earth, but heaven too, where it is celebrated by thousands and myriads of blessed Angels, yea it is far higher than heaven, being infinite and incomprehensible..

Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high To wit, far above all heavens, as was now said, being exalte... as in place, so in power and dignity, above all persons and things visible and invisible.,

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth Who is so high, that it is a wonderful vouchsafement and condescension in him to take any notice or care of his holy and heavenly host, and much more of sinful and miserable men upon earth, which yet he is pleased to do.?

He raiseth up the poor Yea he stoops so low as to regard and advance those whom all men, and even their own brethren slight and despise. out of the dust From a most contemptible and miserable condition. Beggers and mourners used to lie in the dust, or, as it follows, upon the dunghil, 1 Sam. 2. 8. Lament. 4. 5., and lifteth the needy out of the dunghil:

That he may set him with princes In equal honour and power with them, as he did Ioseph, David, and others., even with the princes of his people Which in Gods account and in truth are far more honourable and happy than the Princes of Heathen and barbarous Nations, because their Subjects are more noble, and they have Gods special presence and providence among them..

He maketh the barren woman to keep house Heb. to dwell in an house or family, or amongst children, to wit, coming out of her own womb, as is clearly implied by the opposition of this to her barrenness. And the word house is oft put for children, as Exod. 1. 21. Ruth 4. 11. Psal. 115. 10, 12. And so it is explained in the next clause., and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.