Psalms 113:9

“He maketh the barren woman to keep house, etc.] Or “to dwell in the house”, as the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and other versions; or rather “to cause the house to be inhabited”; to fill the house with inhabitants, to build up the house, as the barren woman, when made fruitful, does, as Rachel and Leah built up the house of Israel, (<080411>Ruth 4:11). This may be applied to the church of God, as it is to the congregation of Israel by the Targum, “who makes the congregation of Israel, which is like to a barren woman, that sitteth sorrowful, to dwell with the men of her house, full of multitudes.” Jarchi interprets it of Zion, who was as a barren woman; (see <235401>Isaiah 54:1)…”

“He maketh the barren woman to keep house ... - Margin, as in Hebrew, “to dwell in a house.” That is, to be at the head of a family. See the notes at Psalms 68:6. Compare 1 Samuel 2:5. This, too, is suggested as a reason why God should be praised and adored. In instances where all hope of posterity is cut off, he interposes, and diffuses joy through a dwelling. We may look abroad, and see abundant occasion for praising God, in his condescension to human affairs - in his lifting up the poor from the humblest condition - in his exalting those of lowly rank to places of honor, trust, wealth, and power; but, after all, if we wish to Find occasions of praise that will most tenderly affect the…”

“113:9 A childless woman was customarily treated with disdain (Gen 16:4); the Lord has the power to make her a happy mother, as he made Sarah (Gen 21:2), Rebekah (Gen 25:21), Rachel (Gen 30:23), and Hannah (1 Sam 1:20). • God’s greatness and goodness provide ample reason to praise him.”

“maketh: Psa 68:6; Gen 21:5-7, Gen 25:21, Gen 30:22, Gen 30:23; Sa1 2:5; Isa 54:1; Luk 1:13-15; Gal 4:27 keep house: Heb. dwell in an house Next: Psalms Chapter 114”