This psalm is as famous one and has proven comfort for many a childless woman.
“He gives the childless woman a household, making her the joyful mother of children. Hallelujah!” (Ps 113:9).
It isn’t always that she will have children of her own, but oftentimes those who are without children are a “second mother” to many, many children. Those who want to have children will find a way whether they are the children of their womb or the children of their heart or the children in the neighborhood. The Lord works to bless this.
He also has a message for the poor.
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the garbage pile, in order to seat them with the nobles–with the nobles of His people” – Ps 113:7-8.
We see this too. Someone who is poor and destitute or has suffered great tragedy will unexpectedly find themselves in the company of kings and leaders. It can happen to anyone.
This also is a hard psalm. Do all childless mothers get that special “household” of children? Do all poor people one day find themselves seated with the leaders of their people? Obviously no. And that is very hard for some.
What the psalmist is doing is creating a picture of the nature and character of God. He is far bigger than any nation and “His glory above the heavens” (Ps 113:4). He is enthroned above the universe and yet somehow stoops to this earth to care for us. In fact, his love is so great he is willing to see those who are poor and alone and do something about it. The God of the universe has a soft spot for the hurting.
And for that we cry “Hallelujah!” or ‘Praise the LORD!” It’s truly a great God, creator of the universe, that steps into the earth and into nations and into someone’s home to love and bless them and pick them up.
