Psalms 113:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 113:3
3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.
Chapter Context
Psalms 113 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, love, prayer. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-9: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 113:3
3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.
Analysis
"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised." The Hebrew mimizrach shemesh ad mevo'o mehullal shem YHWH (from the rising of the sun to its setting, praised be the name of the LORD) employs geographic totality to express universal praise. Mizrach (east/rising) and mevo (west/setting) encompass the entire horizontal sphere—everywhere the sun travels, God deserves praise. This anticipates Malachi 1:11 ("from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles") and fulfillment in gospel spread to all nations (Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8). The verse moves from temporal (v.2: from now to eternity) to spatial (v.3: from east to west)—God's praise should fill all time and space.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern deities typically had limited territorial jurisdiction—gods of specific cities, regions, or nations. YHWH's universal sovereignty stood in stark contrast. Jonah fled "from the presence of the LORD" by sailing to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3), but discovered God's presence fills earth. Solomon's temple dedication prayer recognized: "the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee" (1 Kings 8:27). The exile scattered Jews from east to west, yet they continued praising YHWH—proving His praise transcends geography. Pentecost demonstrated gospel breaking geographic barriers (Acts 2). Paul's missionary journeys carried praise westward. Church history shows gospel spreading from Jerusalem to Rome to Europe to globally—"from the rising of the sun to its going down."
Reflection
- How does recognizing God's universal worthiness ("from east to west") combat provincial thinking about faith?
- In what ways can you participate in global praise of God's name?
- How does the promise of worldwide praise motivate mission and evangelism?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 18:3, 48:10
- References Lord: Revelation 11:15
- Sin: Psalms 50:1, Isaiah 49:13, 59:19, Malachi 1:11
- Worship: Psalms 86:9
- Parallel theme: Psalms 72:11, Isaiah 24:16