God is enthroned on high yet intimately involved in the affairs of His creation.
The psalmist declares of the LORD, that He is the One “Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in heaven and in the earth?” (v.6). In the verses leading up to this line, the psalmist exalts God over all nations, and emphasizes that no one can compare with Him. Despite His lofty position as the eternal King, Psalm 113 portrays Him as caring deeply about the events under heaven, bending low to see and help His people. This theme of God stooping down is connected to the Exodus celebration, since Psalm 113 is part of the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Passover commemorations, and was likely sung by Jesus and His disciples (Matthew 26:30).
When the text says God “humbles Himself” (v.6), it highlights that He is all-powerful, and yet He lowers Himself in order to observe and intervene on behalf of humanity. This stands in stark contrast to most earthly rulers, emphasizing God’s gracious, personal nature. It echoes the question asked just prior to this verse, “Who is like the LORD our God?” (Psalm 113:5), which itself refers back to the wonderment of Exodus 15:11. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills this concept of God humbling Himself by taking on flesh and living among us (John 1:14).
In pondering “The things that are in heaven and in the earth” (v.6), the psalmist also praises God’s complete sovereignty. There is no realm—spiritual or physical—that escapes His attention. This passage reminds believers that no person or situation is beneath God’s love and care. Even when circumstances appear dire, He is near and aware, capable of lifting us out of trouble (Psalm 113:7-9).
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Psalms 113:6 meaning
The psalmist declares of the LORD, that He is the One “Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in heaven and in the earth?” (v.6). In the verses leading up to this line, the psalmist exalts God over all nations, and emphasizes that no one can compare with Him. Despite His lofty position as the eternal King, Psalm 113 portrays Him as caring deeply about the events under heaven, bending low to see and help His people. This theme of God stooping down is connected to the Exodus celebration, since Psalm 113 is part of the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Passover commemorations, and was likely sung by Jesus and His disciples (Matthew 26:30).
When the text says God “humbles Himself” (v.6), it highlights that He is all-powerful, and yet He lowers Himself in order to observe and intervene on behalf of humanity. This stands in stark contrast to most earthly rulers, emphasizing God’s gracious, personal nature. It echoes the question asked just prior to this verse, “Who is like the LORD our God?” (Psalm 113:5), which itself refers back to the wonderment of Exodus 15:11. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills this concept of God humbling Himself by taking on flesh and living among us (John 1:14).
In pondering “The things that are in heaven and in the earth” (v.6), the psalmist also praises God’s complete sovereignty. There is no realm—spiritual or physical—that escapes His attention. This passage reminds believers that no person or situation is beneath God’s love and care. Even when circumstances appear dire, He is near and aware, capable of lifting us out of trouble (Psalm 113:7-9).