Why is God's name to be praised according to Psalm 113:3? Text of Psalm 113:3 “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is praised.” Immediate Literary Context Psalm 113 opens Book V of the Psalter’s “Hallel” (Psalm 113–118). Verses 1–2 summon God’s servants to praise His name “now and forevermore.” Verse 3 specifies the range—geographically (“from the rising of the sun to its setting”) and temporally (all day). The remainder of the psalm supplies the grounds (vv 4–9): Yahweh is exalted above the nations and heavens yet stoops to raise the poor and barren. Verse 3 thus functions as the hinge: God’s name deserves continual, universal praise because of who He is (transcendent Sovereign) and what He does (immanent Deliverer). The Meaning of “Name” (Hebrew šēm) In Scripture, “name” denotes more than a label; it embodies character, reputation, authority, and covenant presence (Exodus 3:15; 34:5–7). Praising the name equates to acknowledging every revealed perfection of Yahweh—His holiness, love, justice, and faithfulness. Universal Scope: “From East to West” The merism “rising … setting” embraces every longitude; God is Lord of all geography and cultures. Cross-references reinforce this global vision (Malachi 1:11; Isaiah 45:6; Psalm 72:17). The psalm anticipates the eschatological scene where “every nation, tribe, people and tongue” worship (Revelation 7:9–10). Thus God’s name must be praised because His kingdom encompasses the entire created order—no rival deity holds a competing domain. Continuous Praise: All Day, Every Day The Hebrew imperfect can be rendered “is to be praised.” It mandates ceaseless devotion, mirroring God’s ceaseless sovereignty (Psalm 121:4). Morning and evening sacrifices (Exodus 29:38–42) foreshadow the believer’s unbroken spiritual offering (Hebrews 13:15). Divine constancy calls for human constancy. Transcendence and Immanence (vv 4–6) Psalm 113:4–6 grounds verse 3: • “The LORD is exalted over all nations; His glory above the heavens.” – His transcendence. • “He humbles Himself to behold those in heaven and on earth.” – His immanence. Praise answers the paradox: the incomprehensible Creator willingly engages His creation. Redemptive Compassion (vv 7–9) God “raises the poor from the dust” and “seats them with princes,” echoing Israel’s Exodus and Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2:8). Ultimately, Christ’s incarnation and resurrection fulfill this motif, lifting humanity from sin to sonship (Ephesians 2:4–6). God’s rescue acts demand praise. Covenant Faithfulness and Historical Acts Archaeological confirmations—Merneptah Stele (c. 1207 BC) naming “Israel,” Tel Dan Stele (9th c. BC) referencing “House of David,” Hezekiah’s Siloam Inscription, and Cyrus Cylinder aligning with Isaiah 44–45—tie biblical history to verifiable events. Yahweh’s fidelity across millennia validates His worthiness of praise. Creative Majesty and Intelligent Design Modern cosmology identifies finely tuned constants (e.g., cosmic microwave background uniformity, gravitational constant) necessary for life. The Cambrian explosion’s abrupt appearance of fully formed body plans mirrors the biblical assertion that creatures were created according to their kinds (Genesis 1). The integrated complexity of DNA information resembles engineered code, not random accident. Creation’s grandeur corroborates Psalm 19:1 and fuels the imperative of Psalm 113:3. Resurrection and Ultimate Vindication The empty tomb, multiple independent post-mortem appearances (1 Corinthians 15:3–8), and early creedal confession dated within five years of the crucifixion collectively anchor the gospel. Christ’s resurrection secures salvation (Romans 4:25) and guarantees a renewed creation where perpetual praise is the believer’s destiny (Revelation 5:9–13). The risen Lord embodies the highest exhibition of God’s name, confirming the psalmist’s call. Pneumatological Empowerment for Praise The Holy Spirit indwells believers (1 Corinthians 6:19), enabling continuous worship (Ephesians 5:18–20). What Psalm 113 commands, Pentecost empowers—making the praise of God’s name experiential, not merely aspirational. Missional Implications Psalm 113:3 propels evangelism: if God’s name must be praised worldwide, the gospel must be proclaimed worldwide (Matthew 28:18–20). Every unreached people group represents an unfinished stanza in the global Hallel. Ethical Outworking The God who elevates the poor calls His people to enact the same compassion (Proverbs 14:31; James 1:27). Social justice rooted in divine character transforms praise from lip-service to lived service. Eschatological Consummation Isaiah foresees nations streaming to Zion (Isaiah 2:2–3). Revelation culminates with unending praise (Revelation 22:3–5). Psalm 113:3 is both present imperative and future guarantee; what the redeemed begin now creation will echo eternally. Summary Answer God’s name is to be praised according to Psalm 113:3 because His sovereign rule spans every place and moment, His character is supremely holy yet graciously near, His historical deeds—from Exodus to Resurrection—demonstrate covenant faithfulness, His creative work reveals intelligent design, His Spirit enables ceaseless worship, and His redemptive plan secures a cosmos where His praise will never cease. From dawn to dusk, east to west, earth to heaven, no dimension lies outside His worthiness; therefore, “let the name of the LORD be praised.” |
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