Psalms 113:1

“Praise ye the Lord, etc.] Or, “hallelujah”. This is the title of the psalm, as in the two preceding, and directs to the principal matter of it. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord; meaning not the angels, nor all men, nor the priests and Levites only; but all the saints, who are a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God; who are servants, not of sin, nor of Satan, nor of men, but of God and Christ; and who serve the Lord willingly and cheerfully, with much pleasure and delight, in righteousness and holiness, with reverence and godly fear, and without trusting to and depending on their service for salvation: and one principal branch of their service is praise, especially under…”

“The Psalmist prays that God would vindicate His glory, which is contrasted with the vanity of idols, while the folly of their worshippers is contrasted with the trust of God's people, who are encouraged to its exercise and to unite in the praise which it occasions. (Psa. 115:1-18) The vindication of God's mercy and faithfulness (Psa 25:10; Psa 36:6) is the "glory" of His "name," which is desired to be illustrated in the deliverance of His people, as the implied mode of its manifestation. In view of the taunts of the heathen, faith in His dominion as enthroned in the heaven (Psa 2:4; Psa 11:4) is avowed.”

“Praise ye the Lord - Margin, as in Hebrew, “Hallelujah.” See the notes at Psalms 106:1. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord - You who profess to serve and obey him; who acknowledge him as your God. In the original this is also the word “Hallelu,” הללוּ halelû. Praise the name of the Lord - Still the same word “Hallelu.” The name of the Lord is put here, as it is often, for the Lord himself. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Pss 113–118 These psalms form what is known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (hallel means “praise”) because Jews use the collection in the celebration of Passover, which was instituted at the beginning of the exodus from Egypt. Psalms 113–114 are recited before the Passover meal and Pss 115–118 afterward. Ps 113 This hymn of praise exalts the greatness of the Lord’s name and glory. God is greatly exalted and glorious in heaven (113:4); he also stoops down to take care of the lowly and needy on earth (113:5-9). 113:1-3 The name of the Lord (Hebrew Yahweh; see Exod 3:15) reveals his being, character, and reputation. He is exalted in time (now and forever) and in space (from east to west).”

“(Title), This and the following five Psalms form what is called by the Hebrews the great Hallel, or praise; which was sung on their most solemn festivals, and particularly after the celebration of the Passover. (See Mat 26:30. Mar 14:26.) This and the following were probably composed after the return from the captivity. Praise ye the Lord: Heb. Hallelujah, Psa 112:1 O: Psa 33:1, Psa 33:2, Psa 103:20, Psa 103:21, Psa 134:1, Psa 135:1-3, Psa 135:20, Psa 145:10; Eph 5:19, Eph 5:20; Rev 19:5 Psalms 113:2”

“The call, not limited by any addition as in Psa 134:1, or eve, after the manner of Psa 103:20., extended over the earth, is given to the whole of the true Israel that corresponds to its election by grace and is faithful to its mission; and its designation by "servants of Jahve" (Ps 69:37, cf. Ps 34:23), or even "servant of Jahve" ( Psa 136:22), has come into vogue more especially through the second part of Isaiah. This Israel is called upon to praise Jahve; for the praise and celebration of His Name, i.e., of His nature, which is disclosed by means of its manifestation, is a principal element, yea, the proper ground and aim, of the service, and shall finally become that which fills all time…”