Psalms 113:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 113:6
6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
Chapter Context
Psalms 113 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, mercy, righteousness. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 113:6
6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
Analysis
"Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!" The Hebrew hamashpili lir'ot bashamayim uva'aretz (who stoops/humbles to see in heaven and in earth) captures divine condescension. Shaphel (stoop/humble/condescend) indicates lowering oneself—God must "stoop" even to observe heavens and earth! This staggering claim: creation is so far beneath God's transcendent glory that even looking at it requires condescension. Ra'ah (see/look/observe) indicates active attention. God doesn't ignore creation; He actively attends to it. But this attention requires humbling—divine stooping. This anticipates the supreme condescension: incarnation (Philippians 2:5-8). Christ's birth, life, death weren't God grudgingly entering creation but willing condescension motivated by love (John 3:16).
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern deities were typically capricious—sometimes favoring humans, often ignoring or harming them. Greek/Roman gods pursued their own interests, using humans as playthings. Against this backdrop, YHWH's attentive care was revolutionary. He heard Israel's groaning in Egypt (Exodus 2:24-25), remembered His covenant, and acted. He daily provided manna, guided by cloud/fire, gave law at Sinai. Throughout judges, kings, prophets, He remained attentively involved despite Israel's unfaithfulness. The incarnation supremely demonstrated divine condescension. Jesus didn't merely observe from heaven but entered creation as embryo, baby, child, man—experiencing hunger, weariness, temptation, suffering, death. "He humbled himself" (Philippians 2:8).
Reflection
- How does the reality that God must "stoop" even to observe heaven and earth affect your view of His transcendent majesty?
- What does God's willing condescension reveal about His character and love?
- In what ways should believers imitate divine humility/condescension in relating to others?
Word Studies
- Heaven: שָׁמַיִם (Shamayim) H8064 - Heaven, sky
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 11:4, 138:6, Job 4:18, 15:15, Isaiah 6:2, 57:15