(Psalm 113:7–8) Despite the claim that God “raises the poor” and seats them “with princes,” how do we explain the ongoing existence of poverty with little evidence of divine intervention?

The Nature of God’s Promise in Psalm 113:7–8

Psalm 113:7–8 declares, “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people.” Even in ancient Israel, it was a source of great comfort that the all-powerful One sees and cares for those who lack material resources or social position. However, observing that poverty persists today can seem to conflict with this banner statement about God’s intervention.

This passage cannot be read in isolation; it must be interpreted in light of the entire message of Scripture. The promise is timeless in its assurance of God’s active concern. Still, the outworking of that promise often unfolds differently than our immediate preferences would envision.

Context and Literary Features

Psalm 113 is part of the Hallel (praise) psalms, sung during Jewish feasts to honor the work and character of God. These verses emphasize God’s capacity to reverse fortunes. When interpreted in light of other scriptural statements, this “lifting” includes both physical help and a higher spiritual standing that transcends earthly circumstances.

Throughout the Old Testament, references to raising the poor and needy frequently appear as examples of God’s justice (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:7–8, echoed in Hannah’s song). The same motif is carried by the New Testament’s teaching about God’s compassion (Luke 4:18). Thus, Psalm 113:7–8 is a succinct expression of God’s care for vulnerable people that resonates across history.

Free Will, Human Agency, and Responsibility

Much of the ongoing existence of poverty arises from human societies and choices. Scripture consistently teaches that God allows individuals and nations to exercise free will. Where communities ignore God’s commands—particularly His directives about fair wages, honesty, and generosity—poverty can persist. Deuteronomy 15, for instance, outlines ideal principles to eliminate indebtedness and poverty in Israel, but it also acknowledges that stubborn hearts and structural injustice can undermine these directives.

God’s intervention in Scripture includes raising individuals out of poverty (Joseph from slave to palace in Genesis 41; David from shepherd to king in 1 Samuel 16), but these accounts also include obedience, faith, perseverance, and a humility that embraces God’s purposes.

Scriptural and Historical Evidence of Divine Care

1. Biblical Examples

- Joseph (Genesis 41): Sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph was ultimately elevated to second in command of Egypt.

- Ruth (Ruth 1–4): Widowed, poor, and a foreigner, she found provision and honor through divine orchestration and became part of the lineage of King David and ultimately the Messiah.

- Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17): Facing severe famine, God’s miraculous provision of food sustained them.

2. Modern Anecdotal Cases

Throughout history, many impoverished individuals have acquired the means to provide for themselves and others through unexpected opportunities, charitable organizations inspired by biblical mandates, and personal transformations attributed to faith. Christian missions, such as those run by George Müller in 19th-century England, documented numerous instances of seemingly miraculous provision for orphans who started with nothing. While poverty still remains for many, individual breakthroughs can be observed worldwide.

3. Archaeological and Sociological Corroboration

Excavations in ancient Near Eastern sites sometimes reveal communal storage facilities and gleaning practices, confirming the biblical laws (Leviticus 19:9–10, Deuteronomy 24:19–22) meant to support the poor. These discoveries highlight how Israelite society was structured to mitigate the severity of poverty, demonstrating that biblical commandments were designed to produce real-world care.

God’s Ultimate Reversal: Eternal Perspective

In Scripture, earthly poverty is never the full story. The final culmination of God’s plan is presented as the new creation (Revelation 21:4), where all suffering, tears, and want are eliminated. Meanwhile, believers are instructed to care for the poor and oppressed (Proverbs 31:8–9, James 1:27), modeling God’s heart of compassion.

Jesus Himself stated, “The poor you will always have with you” (Matthew 26:11), not as a resignation to injustice but as a recognition that the world, marred by sin, remains imperfect until the ultimate restoration. The biblical promise in Psalm 113 underscores that God uses His power to elevate those in need, but this must be held in tension with the broader testimony of Scripture about free will and a still-fallen creation.

Human Participation in the Promise

God’s people play a significant role in fulfilling the promise of elevating the poor. Passages such as Isaiah 58:6–7 and Matthew 25:34–40 stress active involvement: feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and clothing the naked. By acting as God’s hands and feet, individuals cooperate with His plan to give tangible help to those who suffer.

Historically, this Christian call to action spawned hospitals, orphanages, and relief organizations. The early church (Acts 2:44–45) shared possessions so that none would be in need. Evidence from Roman historical records, such as the writings of Emperor Julian (the “Apostate”), attests that early Christians’ generous charity to neighbor and stranger alike was so remarkable he lamented that pagan religions ought to imitate it.

Why Poverty Still Persists

1. Spiritual and Social Factors: Broken social structures, unjust governance, and personal choice can perpetuate poverty.

2. Testing of Faith and Character: Seasons of hardship can refine virtues such as dependence on God, compassion toward others, and humility (Romans 5:3–5).

3. Eternal vs. Temporal: Biblical teaching emphasizes that even the most severe earthly want is momentary compared to eternity. The ultimate “raising” occurs in the life to come, though God can and does intervene in tangible ways even now.

Encouragement for the Present

Psalm 113:7–8 remains a ringing proclamation meant to instill hope. This does not deny the reality of poverty; rather, it reveals that God’s compassion is not limited by the harshest circumstances. The redemptive story—culminating in Christ’s own resurrection—points to a future restoration. In the meantime, believers are called to be evidence of that restoration by alleviating suffering wherever possible.

Conclusion

The continued existence of poverty does not invalidate God’s pledge to lift up the lowly. Rather, Psalm 113:7–8 calls attention to God’s faithful nature and anticipates both present and ultimate rescue. God’s sovereignty, human choice, earthly brokenness, and eternal hope intersect in a way that underscores this promise.

Where there is lack, there is still the possibility of divine provision and transformation, often carried forward through willing human instruments. God’s promises in Scripture stand firm, and His timeline is not constrained by human impatience. As many testimonies and historical examples show, the poor are raised in various ways—some seen in this life and all conclusively fulfilled in eternity.