Explanation: In Psalm 113 the Psalmist praises the LORD for his glory and for the great deliverances which he brings into the lives of individuals. It is framed, at the beginning and at the end of the Psalm, by the phrase "Praise the LORD!" The painting above illustrates the closing blessing of the Psalm -- a mother's joy in her child.
     This is one of several "Hallel" Psalms (see the next section for a list), which are Psalms of praise which are sung at various Jewish Religious Holidays. Psalms 113-118 (called "The Egyptian Hallel") are sung as a unit at the three Pilgrim Festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Psalms 118-136, and particularly Psalm 136, which was sung at the end of the Passover meal, was called "The Great Hallel." Psalm 145 features praises to God; and some classify it with the last five Psalms as one of the Hallel Psalms. And Psalms 146-150 are five concluding Hallel Psalms and are simply called "Hallel Psalms".

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Hallel Psalms: The Egyptian Hallel -- Psalms 113-118: Psalm 113. Psalm 114. Psalm 115. Psalm 116. Psalm 117. Psalm 118. The Great Hallel [Group of Psalms] -- Psalms 118-136: Psalm 118. Psalm 119. Psalm 120. Psalm 121. Psalm 122. Psalm 123. Psalm 124. Psalm 125. Psalm 126. Psalm 127. Psalm 128. Psalm 129. Psalm 130. Psalm 131. Psalm 132. Psalm 133. Psalm 134. Psalm 135. Psalm 136. The Great Hallel [Single Psalm] -- Psalm 136. An Individual Hallel -- Psalm 145. The Concluding Hallel -- Psalms 146-150: Psalm 146. Psalm 147. Psalm 148. Psalm 149. Psalm 150. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Psalm 113 - #1. Psalm 113 - #2. Psalm 113 - #3. Psalm 113 - #4. Psalm 113 - #5. ]

     The Psalmist opens and closes his Psalm by inviting us to praise the LORD (1). The name of the LORD is blessed forever (2). From the rising of the sun to the going down thereof the name of the LORD is to be praised (3). The LORD is exalted above the nations; and his glory is above the heavens (4). No one is like the LORD (5). Nevertheless he humbles himself to behold the things in the heavens and the earth (6). He raises the poor and needy from the dust and the dunghill; and he makes them sit with the princes of his people (7-8). He makes the barren woman to be a joyful mother of children (9).