Who Is Like the Lord?

Daily Devotional: Read Psalm 113:3

Psalm 113 opens with a rousing call to praise. The psalmist declares that God’s praise should be broadcast “from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets” (v. 3). This is a stunning claim. Should the Lord be praised in Philistia? Yes, even in Philistia. Should the Lord be praised in Egypt? Yes, in Egypt. Should the Lord be praised in Iowa? Brazil? Bangladesh? Yes, from the east to the west!

East from the West

The Lord is worthy of worship from all people because there is no one like Him (v. 5). One of things that makes God so unique is that even though He is more powerful and exulted than anyone in the universe, “he raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap” (v. 7). He cares deeply about people that we are often quick to ignore. The powerless and broken are especially noticed by Him.

Psalm 113 begins a series of psalms that are traditionally used at Passover to celebrate Israel’s exodus from Egypt. It is likely that Jesus and His disciples sang Psalms 113–118 as a part of the Last Supper (Matt. 26:30). God heard the cries of His people and delivered them. He humbled Pharaoh and made the needy rejoice.

This theme comes to its fulfillment in the gospel. The apostle Paul said, “Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God choose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor. 1:26–27). If God notices the weak and vulnerable, that is a perspective that we should have as well. Praise God today for His provision and care!

Go Deeper

Today’s psalm provides a fun activity you can practice by yourself or with children. Take a roam around the house or the neighborhood, asking in each location if God should be praised. “Should God be praised in the kitchen?” “Should God be praised in the den?” Yes!

Pray with Us

May the name of the Lord be praised from the east to the west! May He be exalted form sea to shining sea! Thank You for the times You have provided, led, and sustained us, when our own strength failed.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3