Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 113

A Call to Praise God; God's Greatness and CondescensionThis psalm invites us to honor and praise the Lord

v. 2: We should bless God’s name forever, not just today but for all generations. God deserves to be praised now and always, by us and by those who come after us .

v. 3: God’s name should be praised all around the world, from sunrise to sunset. This means people everywhere, in every land, should honor the Lord

v. 4: The Lord

v. 5: The psalmist asks, Who is like the Lord

v. 6: God is so great that he must humble himself even to look at the heavens and the earth. He notices everyone and everything, even though he is so high and powerful (Psalm 113:6; Job 36:5 ; Daniel 4:35 ).

v. 7: God raises the poor from the dust and lifts up those in need from low places. He has the power to change people’s lives in amazing ways. God chooses to help those who are humble and forgotten by others (Psalm 113:7; 1 Samuel 2:6-8 ; 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 ).

v. 8: He sets the poor and needy with princes, giving them a place of honor. God sometimes surprises the world by lifting up the humble and giving them great blessings .

v. 9: God makes the barren woman a joyful mother of children. He brings happiness to those who have felt left out or alone. Just as God gave children to Sarah, Hannah, and others, he can turn sorrow into joy for anyone who trusts him (Psalm 113:9; Luke 1:14 ; Isaiah 54:1; Galatians 4:27 ).