Psalms 113:1

Psalms 113:1

Verse 1 launches a short, three-verse series calling Israel to praise: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.” In the ancient worship life of Israel, praise was not merely a reaction but a liturgical posture. The phrase “ye servants of the LORD” identifies a community marked by covenant loyalty—priests, Levites, and lay worshipers alike. The emphasis on praising “the name of the LORD” signals that God’s character—his name as representing his nature and faithfulness—is the focal object of worship. The Psalmist uses direct exhortation to invite wholehearted participation, shaping communal identity around praise. The structure here introduces a rhythm of humility and praise that runs through the Psalter, shaping how God’s people remember and respond to his acts of salvation and provision.

This verse highlights worship as central to the life of faith. The repetition of “praise” emphasizes God as worthy of all adoration; his name stands for his redemptive acts and character—holy, trustworthy, gracious. It grounds the people’s identity in relationship with God rather than in status or possessions. The call to “ye servants of the LORD” also speaks to vocation—worship and service are intertwined, and every faithful act participates in the liturgical life of the community. Theologically, it reinforces the Yahweh-centered worldview that undergirds Jewish and Christian worship: God’s majesty is the context for all existence, and the proper response is praise that flows from a grateful heart.

Practically, begin gatherings or daily routines with praise. Create simple habits: a morning or evening moment to name God’s attributes, reflect on his faithfulness, and offer gratitude. In homes and workplaces, model a posture of praise through language that honors God—express gratitude, celebrate small wins as gifts from God, and acknowledge his sovereignty even in difficult days. Encourage others to join in, whether in family devotions, small groups, or public worship. Praise shapes perspective: it shifts focus from problems to the majesty of God, which, in turn, renews hope and resilience. The verse invites you to make praise a daily discipline, not a sporadic response to “good times.”

Cross-References: Psalm 100:1-5; Psalm 136:1-3; Isaiah 25:1; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:16