Psalms 113:7
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
Psalms 113:7
Psalm 113 is part of the Hallel Psalms (113–118), praising God for His greatness and His care for the lowly. In 113:7, the psalmist paints a striking social reversal: God “raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.” This is not merely social uplift; it reflects ancient Near Eastern realities where dust and dunghills symbolize low status, impurity, and powerlessness. The imagery would have resonated deeply with people who lived under economic hardship, vulnerability, or social marginalization. In Israel, God’s concern for the marginalized echoed the Law’s stipulations about gleaning, equity, and harm to the widow, the orphan, and the poor (e.g., Leviticus 19; Deuteronomy 15). The act of lifting up is divine initiative; humans cannot manufacture such reversal. The verse foregrounds God as the divine King who reverses human hierarchies, not by political might alone but through compassion, justice, and providence. The broader psalm proclaims God’s sovereign care, inviting the faithful to trust in Him even when circumstances seem bleak.
The verse foregrounds God’s preference for the vulnerable and His power to transform social standing. It articulates a core biblical theme: salvation includes real, visible change in one’s status and dignity. The language signals eschatological hope—though small and unseen at times, God’s intervention reorders creation toward justice. This is not social gospel detached from worship; it is tied to praise, as the surrounding psalmist lyrics celebrate God’s generosity and mercy. The passage also highlights God’s sovereignty over the natural and social orders—“dust” and “dunghill” are not final endpoints but stages from which God can raise. For Christians, this foreshadows the gospel’s reversal: the humble are exalted in Christ (Luke 1:52; 1 Corinthians 1:28–29). Theologically, it challenges pride, comforts the afflicted, and anchors dignity in God’s character rather than in human credentials.
Today, this verse invites a practical Reversal Prayer: when you or someone you know feels overlooked or dismissed, remember that God notices you—He can lift you up from the dust. In workplace or school, advocate for colleagues who are marginalized; elevate voices that are unheard. Churches and communities can implement tangible forms of elevation: mentoring programs, resource sharing, or leadership pathways for people with limited means. It also reframes personal ambition: real advancement isn’t only status or wealth but being seen and valued as a person created in God’s image. For families, use this as a reminder to steward resources in ways that empower the vulnerable—support a single parent, assist a neighbor in financial strain, or mentor a youth from a difficult background. Practically, adopt a posture of daily gratitude for God’s care and a willingness to act justly, remembering that genuine elevation flows from God’s compassionate heart.
Cross-References: Psalm 72:4; Psalm 68:5–6; Luke 1:52; James 2:5; Deuteronomy 16:19–20