Psalm 113:1

Psalm 113:1, in plain English

The psalmist calls everyone who serves God to join together in praising His name — this is a joyful command to celebrate who God is.

Why it's here

This psalm was likely sung during Jewish festivals when people gathered together in worship. The word 'Hallelujah' literally means 'Praise the LORD,' and here it launches the entire song as an invitation. You can picture servants and worshippers hearing this opening and understanding they're being called into something communal and joyful.

Who's speaking

The psalmist — likely a temple musician or priest leading corporate worship — speaks to all who serve the LORD.

Where it sits in the story

This fits into the pattern running through all of Scripture where God's people are invited to respond to His character with worship. From ancient Israel singing in the temple to believers today, this call to praise echoes throughout God's story.

The scholarly reading

The psalm opens with a call to worship, commanding the servants of the Lord to praise His name with full voice and devotion.

Language and setting

This imperative (halal in Hebrew, meaning to shine, boast, or celebrate) functioned as a liturgical summons in Second Temple worship, likely recited by a cantor or worship leader addressing the assembled congregation. The designation 'servants of the LORD' (עַבְדֵי יְהוָה, 'avdei YHWH) echoes the prophetic tradition—these are covenant people bound to God's service, not mere spectators but active participants in worship.

Voice

An unnamed psalmist or liturgical leader, possibly a Levite or Temple musician addressing the congregation gathered for corporate worship.

Significance

This opening mirrors the doxological framework established throughout the Psalter, particularly the Hallel psalms (113-118), which formed the liturgical spine of Jewish festivals. The summons to praise establishes the foundational posture of the believing community: acknowledgment of God's supremacy through vocalized worship.

1Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD.

2Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore.

3From where the sun rises to where it sets, the name of the LORD is praised.

Read all of Psalm 113 — God is so high He looks down on the heavens — yet He lifts the poor from the dust and seats them with princes.