Psalm 113 (cf. Philippians 2.5-8 [He is immanent] and 1 Timothy 6.11-16 [He is transcendent])
This is the first of the Hallel Psalms or Praise Psalms used at the Passover Meal (Psalms 113-118, 136). Some have attributed this psalm to Samuel because the reference in verse nine imitating 1 Samuel 2.5, 8. Although this could be, it is not the view held here.
- Verses 1-3-A call to praise God. All those who are His are to praise Him. We praise Him by thanking Him for who He is in our lives. We are to do this perpetually and everywhere our feet trod.
- Verses 4-6-He is to be praised because He is great, He is without equal, and He has humbled Himself to be concerned with the affairs of man.
- Verses 7-9-He is to be praised because He cares for the poor, needy, and barren, which are examples of His humbling of self to care for the needs of man.
As God is in this world, so are we to be in this world. Do you walk by the poor and needy or do you stoop to help those in need? What would Jesus say about your actions and attitude? Take a moment to read Matthew 24-25 and listen to Keith Green’s song The Sheep and the Goats. There is no faith without action for faith creates action (James 2.14-26).
Is God conceited? Read these articles by John Piper and NewLife Christian Fellowship to determine for yourself.
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Our God is so great and He deserves acknowledgement. He deserves to be praised. Verses 7-9 show how blessed we are to be loved by Him. God does not look down upon His people; He does not turn away from us. He helps us when we are poor and needy and He makes us prosper. For this, we should give Him thanks.