A Psalm of praise from beginning to end, starting with the call to “Praise the Lord” and ending with the same “Praise the Lord”.
Psalm 113
Read the entire Psalm.
1. In verses 1-3, what is the general admonition given in the first phrase, and what specifically are we directed to praise in the remaining instructions?
2. God clearly tells Moses His Name in the account in Exodus 3:14-15. (See Note below) What does God reveal about His Name?
3. In Exodus 6:2-3, God reveals more about His Name. What does He say?
4. We have many examples of praise in scripture. When we praise someone, we basically extol their attributes, virtues, and actions. In Exodus 34:5-7, God tells us about Himself. Read these verses and list some of the things that lead us to praise our God.
5. Read Psalm 5:11. What is David’s plea for those who “take refuge” in the Lord and what is the result for those who love the name of God?
6. What does Exodus 20:7 warn against? Give some examples of how we see that done today, whether by believers or unbelievers.
7. In scripture we see God reveal His name and His character. What does that tell us about God’s desire to be known?
8. After focusing on His name in verses 1-3 of Psalm 113, verses 4-6 focus on where He is. What does verse 4 reveal about God’s dwelling?
Note: Yahweh is a transliteration of the Hebrew YHWH, commonly seen in more recent Bible translations as “LORD”.
9. Verse 5 gives us additional insight. What is God’s position there, i.e., what does it mean to be “enthroned”? Also see Isaiah 66:1.
10. Also from Psalm 113:5, what is the question asked? The answer is implied from the question form. What is the answer?
11. According to verse 6, what is below Him so that He must stoop down to look upon them?
12. What insight does this give you in terms of God’s dwelling and how does that enhance your worship of Him?
13. In verses 7-9, we are shown some of God’s work. Who does He focus on in verses 7-8?
14. How does He change their lives?
15. Who is His focus in verse 9 and how does He change that situation, as He did with Sarah, Rebekah and Hannah in the Old Testament (Genesis and 1 Samuel)?
16. The Psalm ends in verse 9 as it began, exhorting us to Praise the LORD! How are you better able to do that after being reminded in the Psalm of His character (name), His dwelling, and His care for His people?