Day 113 - Psalms 113 of 150 Days of Psalms Mountain Top Prayer Pastor Chidi Okorie

Source: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/day-... Psalm 113 is a beautiful hymn of praise, part of the “Hallel” collection (Psalms 113-118), which is traditionally recited during Jewish festivals, particularly Passover. This psalm celebrates the greatness of God and His care for the lowly, expressing a profound sense of God’s majesty and compassion. Overview Verses 1-3: The psalm opens with a call to praise the Lord. The phrase “Praise the Lord” or “Hallelujah” is a command for all servants of the Lord to worship Him. The psalmist invites everyone who serves God to join in praising His name. The praise is not limited to a specific time or place; it is to be continuous (“from the rising of the sun to its setting”), emphasizing that God is worthy of praise at all times and in all places. Verses 4-6: These verses exalt God’s transcendence and sovereignty. The Lord is described as being “high above all nations” and His glory as being “above the heavens.” This language conveys God’s supreme power and authority, emphasizing that He is exalted above all earthly rulers and even the heavens themselves. Despite His greatness, God humbles Himself to behold the things in heaven and on earth. This paradox highlights both God’s majesty and His willingness to be involved in the affairs of the world, showing His care and concern for creation. Verses 7-9: The psalm shifts focus to God’s compassion and His intervention on behalf of the lowly. The psalmist describes how God “raises the poor from the dust” and “lifts the needy from the ash heap.” These images illustrate God’s power to reverse fortunes, taking those in the lowest, most degraded states and elevating them to places of honor. The psalmist also speaks of God making the barren woman a joyful mother of children, which reflects God’s ability to transform situations of despair and hopelessness into ones of joy and fulfillment. Key Themes 1.The Universality of Praise: Psalm 113 begins and ends with a call to praise the Lord, making it clear that praise is the proper response to God’s nature. The scope of this praise is universal, meant to be offered by all people at all times and in all places. 2.God’s Transcendence and Immanence: The psalm beautifully balances the concepts of God’s transcendence (His greatness and exaltation above all) and His immanence (His closeness and involvement with His creation). While God is far above all, He is also near enough to care for the most humble of His creatures. 3.God’s Compassion for the Lowly: A central theme in this psalm is God’s concern for the poor, the needy, and the marginalized. The imagery of lifting the poor from the dust and making the barren woman a mother highlights God’s mercy and His commitment to justice and care for those in distress. 4.The Reversal of Fortunes: The psalm emphasizes God’s power to change situations drastically, transforming lives by lifting the lowly to positions of honor. This theme of reversal is common in biblical literature, reflecting God’s justice and His special concern for the oppressed. Conclusion Psalm 113 is a profound hymn that exalts the majesty of God while also celebrating His compassion and care for the lowly. It calls all people to a life of continuous praise, recognizing that God is both supremely powerful and deeply involved in the lives of His people. The psalm offers hope to those in difficult circumstances, reminding them of God’s ability to transform their situations and lift them up. Through its celebration of God’s attributes, Psalm 113 encourages believers to trust in the Lord’s goodness and to continually offer Him the praise He deserves.