Psalms 113:1

An exhortation to praise God for his excellency, and for his mercy.

THIS and the five following psalms, were by the Jews called הלל hallel, or hymns; they were made use of at the feasts of the new moons, and on other solemn occasions, especially on the paschal night, after they had eaten the lamb. The evangelist alludes to this custom, Matthew 26:30.; Mark 14:26. The intention of this psalm is, to excite men to praise God for his good providence, several instances of which are here mentioned; and particularly his mercy to the Gentile world, in making the barren woman a joyful mother of children.