◄ Psalm 113:1 ►
Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD.
Study Bible
Hallelujah!
This term is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase "Hallelu Yah," meaning "Praise the LORD." It is a call to worship and is often used in the Psalms to express joy and gratitude towards God. The use of "Hallelujah" connects this psalm to the broader tradition of Hebrew worship, where the community is invited to join in the praise of God. This phrase is also found in the New Testament, notably in Revelation 19, where it is used in the context of heavenly worship, indicating its enduring significance in both Jewish and Christian liturgies.

Give praise, O servants of the LORD;
The "servants of the LORD" refers to those who are devoted to God, including the Israelites, the Levitical priests, and by extension, all believers who serve God. This phrase emphasizes the role of God's people as worshippers and servants, highlighting their duty to honor God. In the historical context, the Levites were specifically appointed to lead worship in the temple, and this call to praise would have been a central part of their ministry. The concept of servanthood is also a key theme in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the ultimate servant of God, fulfilling the role of the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53.

praise the name of the LORD.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name was more than just an identifier; it represented the character and essence of a person. To "praise the name of the LORD" is to acknowledge and honor God's nature, attributes, and deeds. The name of the LORD is often associated with His covenant faithfulness, holiness, and power. This phrase is echoed throughout the Psalms and other biblical texts, such as Exodus 34:5-7, where God proclaims His name and attributes to Moses. In the New Testament, the name of Jesus is given similar reverence, as seen in Philippians 2:9-11, where every knee is called to bow at His name, indicating the continuity of this theme from the Old to the New Covenant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Servants of the LORD
This term refers to those who are devoted to serving God, often seen as the faithful followers or worshippers of Yahweh. In the context of the Old Testament, this would primarily include the Israelites, but by extension, it applies to all believers who serve God.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness. It is a name that signifies God's relationship with His people and His sovereignty over all creation.

3. The Name of the LORD
In Hebrew culture, a name is not just a label but a representation of one's character and reputation. Praising the name of the LORD means acknowledging His attributes, deeds, and His holy nature.
Teaching Points
The Call to Praise
As believers, we are called to continually praise God. This is not just a suggestion but a command that reflects our relationship with Him.

Understanding Servanthood
Being a servant of the LORD means living a life dedicated to His service, which includes worship, obedience, and spreading His love to others.

The Power of God's Name
Recognizing the power and holiness of God's name should inspire awe and reverence in our worship and daily lives.

Praise as a Lifestyle
Praise should not be confined to specific times or places but should be a constant attitude and expression in the life of a believer.

Community in Worship
The call to praise is communal, encouraging believers to join together in worship, strengthening the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "servant of the LORD," and how can this identity shape our daily lives?

2. How can we incorporate praise into our everyday routines, beyond just Sunday worship?

3. In what ways does understanding the significance of God's name deepen our worship experience?

4. How can we encourage and foster a community of praise within our church or small group?

5. Reflect on a time when praising God changed your perspective or situation. How can this experience encourage others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 100
This psalm also calls for joyful praise and worship of the LORD, emphasizing His goodness and everlasting love.

Philippians 2:9-11
These verses highlight the exaltation of Jesus' name, drawing a parallel to the reverence and praise due to the name of the LORD.

Exodus 3:14-15
God's self-revelation to Moses as "I AM" connects to the significance of His name and His eternal nature, which is worthy of praise.
Sermons
Servant-Reasons for PraiseR. Tuck Psalm 113:1
Highest Service and the Highest BeingHomilistPsalm 113:1-9
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Hallelujah, Jah, O, Praise, Praised, Servants, Yah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 113:1

     8624   worship, reasons
     8666   praise, manner and methods

Library
Boniface, Apostle of the Germans.
BONIFACE, or Winfried, as they called him in Anglo-Saxon, born at Crediton in Devonshire, in 680, deserves to be honoured as the father of the German Church, although he was by no means the first who brought the seeds of the Gospel to Germany. Many had already laboured before him; but the efforts which had been made here and there did not suffice to secure the endurance of Christianity amongst the many perils to which it was exposed. Christianity needs to be linked with firm ecclesiastical institutions, …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

The Consecration of Joy
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 34. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. 35. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord; on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
IT was the last, the great day of the Feast,' and Jesus was once more in the Temple. We can scarcely doubt that it was the concluding day of the Feast, and not, as most modern writers suppose, its Octave, which, in Rabbinic language, was regarded as a festival by itself.' [3987] [3988] But such solemn interest attaches to the Feast, and this occurrence on its last day, that we must try to realise the scene. We have here the only Old Testament type yet unfilfilled; the only Jewish festival which has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition.
(a) The supreme and unique revelation of God to man is in the Person of the Incarnate Son. But though unique the Incarnation is not solitary. Before it there was the divine institution of the Law and the Prophets, the former a typical anticipation (de Incarn. 40. 2) of the destined reality, and along with the latter (ib. 12. 2 and 5) for all the world a holy school of the knowledge of God and the conduct of the soul.' After it there is the history of the life and teaching of Christ and the writings …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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