psalm-113:1-9,-ruth-2:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5

Who is like unto the Lord our God ? (comp. Psalms 89:6 ; Isaiah 40:18 , Isaiah 40:25 ). The highest created being does not approach within anything but an immeasurable distance of God. Who dwelleth on high ; or, "who sitteth enthroned on high." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5

Likenesses to God. "Who is like unto the Lord our God?" The precise point here may be thus expressed: "Who as he combines majesty with condescension?" Both heaven and earth, glorious and wonderful though they are, are alike immeasurably below the majesty of God. The psalmist evidently has the idolatry in mind which seeks for suggestions of God's figure either in heaven or in earth. No fitting ones can be found. They are all made things; and the maker is always grander than the things he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5-8

The Divine nature and character. "Who is like unto the Lord our God," etc.? The views we form of God's nature and character are of the highest importance. I. GOD 'S INCOMPARABLE MAJESTY . (See the fortieth chapter of Isaiah.) But his moral greater than his physical greatness. II. GOD 'S CONDESCENSION . "Humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth." Displays a deep and everlasting interest in the works of his hands. 1. Great men stoop to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:6

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth. It is a condescension in God to regard even "the things that are in heaven," since the very "heavens are not clean in his sight" ( Job 15:15 ). Much more is it a condescension in him to behold the gross material things of earth. Yet he gives them his constant care and attention, since otherwise they would cease to be. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:6

The relative value of earthly things. There is no absolute value in them. God cannot be thought of as interested in them for their own sakes. He humbles himself to regard them because of the relation his people bear to them, and because of the influence they have upon his people. Of him it has been suggestively said, "He stoops to view the skies, and bows to see what angels do." This we say of God, because we have the revelation of him as a Moral Being, with moral as well as natural... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust . Heaven is full of his glory, earth of his mercy and loving-kindness. The words of 1 Samuel 2:8 are, consciously or unconsciously, quoted. And lifteth the needy out of the dunghill ; rather, from the dunghill (Revised Version). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7

God the Remover of disabilities. "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust." The expressions used in this and the following verse are taken from the song of Hannah (see 1 Samuel 2:1-10 ), and similar expressions are found in the song of the Virgin Mary (see Luke 1:51-53 ). Historical illustrations of the passage may be found in the careers of Gideon, King Saul, and David. The psalmist may have in mind the restoration of the nation from the Babylonish captivity, which was an extreme... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7-8

The overflowing gratitude of the saved soul. How intense is the fervor of praise with which this psalm is full! The soul of the psalmist can scarce contain itself, and we are inevitably led to inquire into the reason and occasion of such gratitude. It is told of in the verses before us. No doubt the salvation spoken of was primarily a national one; it was Israel who had been so visited of God. It was Israel who was sunk so low in misery and degradation-sunk down to the dust and the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:8

That he may set him with princes. The words of 1 Samuel 2:8 are still followed. (For the sentiment, see also Job 36:7 .) Historically, the statement is illustrated by the examples of Joseph, Saul, David, Daniel, Mordecai. Even with the princes of his people . Not merely with heathen princes, but with those who exercise sovereignty over Israel, as Joseph with Pharaoh, Daniel with Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus, Mordecai with Ahasuerus or Xerxes. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house . Hannah's song is still in the psalmist's thoughts, and suggests this illustration (see 1 Samuel 2:5 ). But it must not be restricted to a literal interpretation. The true "barren woman" was Israel ( Isaiah 54:1 ), whose curse of barrenness was ultimately removed, and who became, as here prophesied, a joyful mother of children (comp. Isaiah 49:12 , Isaiah 49:18 , Isaiah 49:20 ; Isaiah 54:2 , Isaiah 54:3 ; Isaiah 60:5 ; Galatians... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:5-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:7-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 113:9

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