Psalms 113 - Introduction

A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042.

This and the five following Psalms the Jews termed, הלל , hallel, or, the great hallel, from הללו יה , hallelujah, the first word of this Psalm. They were used at the feasts of the new moons, and on other festival solemnities, and especially on the paschal night, when they were sung, or rather recited, or chanted, at their tables, after they had eaten the paschal lamb. To this custom, as the evangelists have informed us, (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26,) our Lord and his apostles conformed, singing a hymn, probably these same six Psalms, sung on these occasions by the Jews, as one laudativum carmen, or song of praise. The Jews are said to have made choice of these Psalms, in preference to others, on account of the five great benefits referred to in them: the deliverance from Egypt, Psalms 114:1; the dividing of the Red sea, 3; the giving of the law from Sinai, 4; the passion of the Messiah, Psalms 116:3; and the resurrection of the dead, 9. In this Psalm we are exhorted to praise God, Psalms 113:1. Particularly for his greatness and glory, Psalms 113:4; Psalms 113:5. And for his grace and goodness, Psalms 113:6.