Psalm 113 (112):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Just as our sinful actions can lead to His name being profaned, so too can our righteous conduct bring Him honor, blessing, and sanctity. The essence of His message is this: Enable us to consistently live virtuously, so that Your name may be exalted through our lives.

Therefore, let the proclamation always resonate: ‘Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from this time forth and forevermore’ Psalm 111:2. Let us declare this universally: From sunrise to sunset, let us exalt the Name of the Lord Psalm 111:3.

Should any holy child praising the Name of the Lord inquire of me, Forever I understand, indicating eternity: but why is the Name of the Lord not blessed before this time and throughout all ages? I will respond to this innocent question, asked without obstinacy. It is said to you, both masters and children, Praise the Name of the Lord; blessed be the Name of the Lord, from the moment these words are spoken. For you begin your praise, which continues without end. Alternatively, since this passage may emphasize humility more than mere childhood, contrasting it with the empty and deceitful grandeur of pride; for this reason, only the humble truly offer praise. Let those advanced in years embrace childlike humility, and may your childhood embody the wisdom of age; that is, let your wisdom be devoid of pride, and your humility accompanied by insight, enabling you to offer unceasing praise to the Lord.

Wherever the body of Christ, embodied by her childlike believers, is present, let us elevate the Name of the Lord, from dawn to dusk. The Lord is exalted above all the nations Psalm 111:4. The nations represent humanity: why should we wonder that the Lord is above all mankind? They gaze upon the celestial bodies—sun, moon, and stars—that they venerate, even as they disregard the Creator. Yet not only is the Lord above all nations; His glory surpasses the heavens themselves. The heavens witness His supremacy and do not worship them in place of Him, for the humble keep Him close, though they exist in the flesh under the heavens.

Who among us can compare to the Lord our God, who resides in the heights yet regards the humble? Psalm 111:5. Many might envision Him seated in the upper heavens, observing the lowly things of earth; however, He gazes upon the humble, whether in heaven or on earth. Psalm 112:6: What is His lofty abode from which He gazes upon the lowly? Can these humble things He observes not be seen as His own exalted dwelling? He elevates the humble to prevent them from becoming proud. Hence, He resides in those whom He lifts up, transforming them into His heavenly dwelling place. Seeing them humble and perpetually surrendering to Him, He perceives in them the humble within the heavens above. The Spirit speaks through Isaiah, declaring, Thus says the Most High, who resides on high, who abides eternally; the Lord Most High, who dwells in the holy sanctuary.

We are prompted to consider whether our Lord perceives the same humility in heaven as He does on earth, or if there exists a distinct humility in heaven unmatched by any on earth. Yet, if there is a divergence between heavenly and earthly humility, I believe He perceives in heaven those He has chosen to reside within; while on earth, He observes those whom He calls to invite Him into their hearts. Some reflect on heavenly matters with Him, while others remain in slumber, dreaming of earthly things. However, as it may be challenging to label those who have yet to yield in godliness as truly humble, divine scriptures consistently remind us to perceive the sacred through the lens of humility. Another understanding, beloved, that you might contemplate alongside me, is that ‘heaven’ signifies those who will be seated on twelve thrones, judging with the Lord; Matthew 19:28 while ‘earth’ represents the multitude of the blessed, who will be placed at His right hand. By their merciful deeds, they will be honored and welcomed into eternal dwellings by those who have made friends through the unrighteous wealth of this mortal life. Luke 16:9.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts up the needy from the mire Psalm 112:7, positioning him among princes, with the princes of His people Psalm 111:8. Therefore, let not the exalted neglect to humble themselves under the hand of the Lord. Though a faithful steward of the Lord's resources may be set alongside the leaders of God’s people and destined to sit on twelve thrones and judge angels; Matthew 19:28, he is still drawn up from the dust by the needy and elevated from the mire. Was he not possibly lifted from the depths, who once served various lusts and pleasures?

What, then, dear brothers, if we have already acknowledged the lowly things elevated from the dust to join the princes of the people? Have we consequently overlooked the humble qualities that the Lord sees on earth? The companions who will judge alongside their Lord are fewer in number, while those received into eternal dwellings are more plentiful. Even if it appears that a vast quantity of grain seems modest when juxtaposed with individual tares, within itself, it is indeed abundant. Therefore, the Church speaks in recognition of her role in not bearing offspring among the throngs who have yet to surrender entirely to follow the Lord to their rightful places on twelve thrones. Matthew 19:28 Yet countless among the same multitude who establish friendships with worldly riches, Luke 16:9, will indeed stand at the right hand through acts of mercy. Thus, He not only uplifts from the mire those destined to join the princes of His people; but He also transforms the barren woman into a joyful mother of children. Psalm 111:9: He who dwells on high sees the humble within both heaven and earth, building a lineage for Abraham, as numerous as the stars of heaven, rising in holiness within celestial abodes; as countless as the sand by the sea, graciously and abundantly gathered from the tumultuous waves and the bitterness of wickedness.

Furthermore, you should offer a song of thanksgiving to the Creator. Chrysostom asks, what do you think? Is it not truly blessed if you do not bless it? Note that he speaks not of a blessing that belongs to God by nature, but of a blessing contingent upon humanity, of which Paul writes, Glorify God in your body and your spirit.

God has recently demonstrated His dominion over the Gentiles for the sake of His seemingly vulnerable people whom their enemies sought to obliterate. As the Creator, He reigns above all things, including the heavens. The latter verses depict a personal development regarding the humble who look to Him; they reflect God's merciful condescension toward those in distress and those who, due to barrenness, have been scorned, lacking strong support in their household. Residing in dust and on a refuse heap signifies profound poverty and desolation. A barren woman is often more easily cast out from her home than one blessed with children, who provides security in the family lineage. Such blessings from God bring true happiness to the favored.

This psalm marks the beginning of what the Jews refer to as the "Hallel," encompassing Psalms 112 to 117. During the Second Temple period, it was recited eighteen times a year as part of public worship, especially during the new month. During the Passover meal, it was traditionally divided into two segments, with the first portion sung before the second cup and the latter after the fourth.

This includes the young and those recently brought to faith through holy baptism, as well as those childish in their malice. All are called to honor God through both speech and, more importantly, through action, in accordance with the Lord's command: ‘Let your light so shine before man, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in Heaven’ (Matthew 5:16).