Psalm 113 is the first in a group of Psalms (from 113-118) called the “Egyptian Hallel”. (“Hellel” means “praise” in Hebrew.) These songs were sung at all of the Jewish Biblical celebrations and as we read words like, “Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and the earth (vs.5-6),” we can hardly keep from lifting our voices in praise ourselves (and we shouldn’t!).

Women are given a specific mention in this particular Psalm. “He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!” Certainly, that is meant literally. Over and over again in scripture God did open the womb of the barren mother (Sarah, Rachel, Rebekah, Hannah, and Elizabeth for example).

We also know from Psalm 68:6 that the Lord sets the lonely in families. Having natural children is not the only way for women to become mothers. Often God brings children into homes in other ways and that is a beautiful thing.

However, this praise is also figurative and goes far beyond the barren woman to include all of us. The Believer’s Bible Commentary puts it this way, “I was barren, with no fruit in my life for God. But He has delivered me from empty, wasteful existence to meaningful, productive life!”

No wonder the Psalmist shouted, “Praise the Lord!”

The Christian does not have to wonder about the meaning of life. We have the unimaginable opportunity to know and love and to be known and loved by the Creator of the Universe! Not only that, but He has a master plan for the world and He lets us be a part of it. There is no greater purpose than that!

(For those who have missed any of the previous lessons, you can go to https://comethirstyministry.com/blog/ and view all previous postings.)

Week Twenty-Six

Day 1: Psalm 68:1-13 (God Defends Widows)
Day 2: Psalm 113:1-9 (Women)
Day 3: Psalm 139:1-24 (We are known by God)
Day 4: Proverbs 2:22 (Teach our Children)
Day 5: Proverbs 3:11-30 (Wisdom as a Woman)