King James Version

What Does Psalms 113:7 Mean?

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

Context

5

Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, dwelleth: Heb. exalteth himself to dwell

6

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

7

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

8

That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. to keep: Heb. to dwell in an house

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7-8) See 1Samuel 2:8, from which the verses are taken; and comp. Luke 1:52. So the heathen poet sang of Jove (Hor.: *Odes *i., 34, 35). (7) **Dunghill.**—Literally, *a heap of rubbish. *“Before each village in Hauran there is a place where the household heap up the sweepings of their stalls, and it gradually reaches a great circumference and a height which rises far above the highest buildings of the village.” “The *mezbela *serves the inhabitants of the district as a watch-tower, and on close oppressive evenings as a place of assembly, because there is a current of air on the height. There the children play about the whole day long; there the forsaken one lies who, having been seized with some horrible malady, is not allowed to enter the dwellings of men, by day asking alms of the passers by, and at night hiding himself among the ashes which the sun has warmed.”—Delitzsch’s *Commentary on the Book of Job, *ii. 152, with Note by Wetzstein. It was on the *mezbela *that, according to tradition, Job sat.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 113:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 113:7

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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