How does Psalm 113:4 connect with Philippians 2:9 about God's exaltation? Setting the Scene • Psalm 113 celebrates the LORD’s unmatched greatness from the rising of the sun to its setting (Psalm 113:3). • Philippians 2 unfolds Christ’s voluntary humility and subsequent exaltation. • Both verses spotlight the theme of God’s supreme elevation, showing continuity between Old and New Testaments. Psalm 113:4 – The LORD Exalted “The LORD is exalted over all the nations; His glory is above the heavens.” • Universal scope: “over all the nations” establishes absolute sovereignty. • Cosmic scale: “above the heavens” places His majesty beyond creation itself (cf. Psalm 97:9; Isaiah 6:1). • Unshared glory: no created power can rival or diminish His elevated status. Philippians 2:9 – Christ Exalted “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names.” • Divine initiative: God the Father actively exalts the Son, affirming the Son’s deity (cf. John 1:1; Hebrews 1:3). • “Highest place”: echoes the transcendent language of Psalm 113:4, applying it to Jesus. • “Name above all names”: signifies supreme authority (cf. Ephesians 1:20-22; Revelation 19:16). Threads That Tie the Two Texts • Same direction—upward: Psalm 113:4 states Yahweh’s supremacy; Philippians 2:9 shows that same supremacy bestowed upon Christ. • Continuity of identity: Jesus shares the LORD’s glory (John 17:5), fulfilling the Old Testament revelation of God’s exaltation. • Fulfillment of praise: what the psalmist declares about the LORD finds concrete expression in the exalted Christ, bringing Old Testament worship forward into New Testament realization. • Scope remains universal: nations in Psalm 113 become “every tongue” in Philippians 2:11, establishing a global confession of Christ’s lordship. Further Scriptural Echoes • Psalm 8:1: “You have set Your glory above the heavens.” • Colossians 1:15-17: Christ holds creation together, matching the lofty vision of Psalm 113. • Hebrews 2:9: the Son crowned with glory and honor, linking suffering to exaltation. • Revelation 5:12-13: heavenly worship affirms the Lamb’s worthiness, completing the exaltation theme. Implications for Believers • Worship anchored in truth: praise offered to Jesus aligns with the Old Testament call to exalt the LORD. • Confidence in Christ’s authority: His name stands above every competing power—earthly or spiritual. • Motivation for obedient living: the One exalted above the heavens also humbled Himself for redemption (Philippians 2:5-8), setting the pattern for humble service. |
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