Psalm 113

Psa 113:1

THE PASSOVER HALLEL: PSALMS 113-118: Called the Egyptian, or the Common, Hallel -- to distinguish from the Great Hallel (Psa 120-136). By tradition, Psa 113, 114 were sung before the meal, and Psa 115-118 after the meal (Mat 26:30; Mar 14:26). Thus the last hymns sung by Jesus before his arrest and trial and crucifixion.

A summary of the "Passover Hallel": (1) Psa 113 praises God's majesty. (2) Psa 114 speaks of deliverance. (3) Psa 115 praises God for the deliverance. (4) Psa 116 praises God for the one through whom the deliverance came. (5) Psa 117 is the appeal by the saints to the mortal nations in the millennium. (6) Psa 118 is the praise of Jesus and the redeemed.

Psa 113:3

"From rising to setting of sun" identifies this psalm as esp for temple use. Cp day when lambs were slain "between the evenings" (Exo 12:6, AVm). Cp also Malachi's use of this v (Mal 1:11). Also, "from east (rising of sun) to west (setting)" is general direction of gospel's spread.

Psa 113:4

THE LORD IS EXALTED OVER ALL THE NATIONS: And, implicitly, over the gods of all the nations (Psa 47:2; 95:3; 96:4,5; 97:9).

Psa 113:5

WHO IS LIKE THE LORD?: Suggests "Michael" (like El): cp Isa 40:18,25; Exo 15:11; Deu 3:24.

Psa 113:6

WHO STOOPS DOWN: Himself? Or, "who humbles (ie who humbles others, like the angels)" by showing them the work of His hands, the heavens (cp Isa 40:26)?

Psa 113:8

HE SEATS THEM WITH PRINCES, WITH THE PRINCES OF THEIR PEOPLE: Our spiritual privileges are of the highest order. "Among princes" is the place of the most select society. "Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1Jo 1:3). There is no "high society" like this! "We are a chosen generation, a peculiar people, a royal priesthood" (1Pe 2:9). "We are come unto the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven" (Heb 12:23). The saints have an audience in the "court of heaven": princes have admission to royalty when common people must stand afar off. "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Eph 2:18). "Let us come boldly', says the apostle, 'to the throne of the heavenly grace" (Heb 4:16).

Among princes there is abundant wealth, but what is the wealth of princes compared with the riches of believers? for "all things are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's" (1Co 3:23). "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Rom 8:32).

Princes have peculiar power. A prince of God has great influence: he wields a ruler's scepter in his own domain; he sits with Jesus upon his throne: "He hath made us kings and priests unto God, and we shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev 5:10).

Princes have special honor. For what is human grandeur to this, "He hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6)? We share the honor of Christ, and compared with this, earthly honors are not worth a thought. Communion with Jesus is a richer gem than ever glittered in any imperial crown. Union with the Lord is a crown of glory outshining all the blaze of imperial pomp and circumstance.