Psalms 113:6

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 113:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “That humbleth himself to behold [The things that are] in heaven and in the earth?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

That humbleth himself to behold [The things that are] in heaven and in the earth?
Psalms 113:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 113

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6That humbleth himself to behold [The things that are] in heaven and in the earth?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth.] The persons the highest heavens, the angels whom he upholds in their beings, and admits into his presence; who always behold his face, and he beholds them, delights in their persons, and accepts their services; which, though pure and perfect, it is a condescension in him to do, since they are but creature services, and chargeable with folly and weakness; and who themselves are as nothing in comparison of him, and veil their faces before him; (<180418>Job 4:18), also glorified saints are continually in his view, and favoured with intimate communion with him: and he humbles himself to look lower than this, and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Who humbleth himself ... - So high that it is necessary he should stoop even to behold the things which seem most lofty to us; and who actually does stoop thus to regard the things which he has made in heaven and on earth. To behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! - More literally, “to look in heaven and in earth.” Even to look on heaven, high as it is to us - still more to look on earth, so insignificant as compared with the vast bodies in the heavens - is condescension on the part of God. It requires him to stoop - even to look on the sun - the stars - the distant worlds! Yet he does this. There is not a world which he does not survey constantly; not a creature whose…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Humbleth - Who is so high, that it is a wonderful condescention in him to take any notice of his heavenly host, and much more of sinful and miserable men upon earth. Psalms 113:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“113:6 The Lord stoops to the world’s level to be directly involved with his people (see 138:6; Phil 2:6-8).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“humbleth: Psa 11:4; Job 4:18, Job 15:15; Isa 6:2 in heaven: Bp. Lowth observes that the two members of this line are to be referred severally to the two preceding lines; as if it were, "Who is exalted to dwell in the heavens; and who humbleth himself to inspect the things on earth." in the earth: Psa 138:6; Isa 57:15, Isa 66:2 Psalms 113:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification