Psalms 113:2 Meaning Explained

Psalms 113:2

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore!

English Standard Version (ESV)

The phrase "from this time forth and forevermore" isn't just a simple statement of duration; it emphasizes that God's worthiness of praise isn't temporary or situational. It’s an intentional declaration that His name deserves our continuous, unwavering blessing, starting now and extending into eternity, regardless of our changing circumstances.

What Psalms 113:2 means

This psalm opens with an urgent call to praise the Lord, directed specifically to His servants. The verse immediately following this exhortation declares that the Lord's name is to be blessed eternally, setting the stage for the psalm's exploration of God's immense glory and His remarkable condescension towards the humble. This declaration of unending praise anticipates the universal recognition of God's name that the psalm goes on to describe.

The Unbounded Nature of God's Praise

We're called to praise God, but where does this praise stop? Does it have limits? This verse shouts a resounding 'No!'

The psalmist proclaims that God's name should be blessed 'from this time forth and forevermore.' This isn't just a suggestion; it's a declaration of an eternal reality.

Time Without End

God's worthiness of praise isn't confined to a specific moment or era. Just as God Himself is eternal, His praise should be perpetual. This means our praise should extend beyond our current experience, embracing all of history and looking forward to eternity.

A Constant Duty

It’s easy to praise God when things are going well, but this verse calls for continuous praise, regardless of circumstances. It's a commitment to acknowledge His goodness and sovereignty not just today, but always. As the commentary notes, God's eternal nature demands eternal praise.

The 'Name' of God: More Than Just a Label

We often say 'bless the name of the Lord.' But what exactly are we blessing? It's far more than just a title.

In Scripture, God's 'name' is not merely a label; it represents His entire being, His character, His reputation, and all that He is. When we bless His name, we are acknowledging and honoring His divine essence.

Character Revealed

God reveals Himself through His actions and attributes. His name encapsulates His power, His love, His justice, His mercy – everything that makes Him God. To praise His name is to praise the God who is revealed to us.

Reputation Honored

Blessing God's name means affirming His worth and glory, especially in the face of doubt or opposition. It's about declaring who He is, regardless of what others may say or think. This is why the call to praise is so urgent – it’s about upholding His true identity.

Understand the original words

Original language

Blessedבָּרַךְ

barak · Hebrew Verb

To pronounce a blessing or confer favor; when directed toward God, it is an act of adoration, declaring Him to be the source of all goodness and worthiness.

forevermoreעוֹלָם

olam · Hebrew Noun/Adverb

A reference to the infinite, eternal nature of God, who exists outside of time and whose reign persists through all generations.

Historical context

Written: The Psalms span a wide historical range, but Psalm 113 is often associated with the post-exilic period or the Levitical worship traditions.
Author: Traditionally understood as King David, though the exact authorship of many psalms remains uncertain.
Location: Likely written from the land of Israel, during the time of the united monarchy or during the Second Temple period.
Genre: Hebrew poetry, characterized by parallelism where lines or clauses echo, contrast, or expand upon each other.

Historical background

This verse is part of the Hallel psalms, traditionally sung during Passover and other festivals, especially after the completion of the Second Temple. The call for continuous praise reflects a community deeply aware of God's historical faithfulness, from His covenant at Sinai to His restoring them from exile.

c. 1400 BC
Ten Commandments Given
God establishes His covenant with Israel, giving them the Law and revealing His name and character through Moses. This foundational event marks the beginning of Israel's formal relationship with God and their role as His people.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David unites Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital. This period sees a flourishing of worship and the consolidation of Israel's national identity under God's rule.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Dedicated
Solomon completes and dedicates the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place for Israelite worship and sacrifice. This event signifies God's dwelling place among His people.
722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel and deports many of its inhabitants. This event serves as a stark warning about the consequences of disobedience.

Key themes

01Eternal Divine Worthiness
02Praise without End
03God's Name Glorified

Cross-references

Malachi 1:11

This verse echoes the sentiment of Psalm 113:2 by declaring that God's name will be great among the nations, not just in a specific time or place, but universally and perpetually.

1 Peter 2:9

Peter calls believers a 'royal priesthood,' echoing the call in Psalm 113 to praise God, showing that this call to bless God's name is for all His people, 'from this time forth and forevermore'.

Revelation 5:13

This passage offers a future vision of creation giving praise to God and the Lamb, powerfully illustrating the eternal 'forevermore' aspect of blessing God's name mentioned in Psalm 113:2.

Luke 1:46-49

Mary's Magnificat is a beautiful example of someone from a lowly position blessing God's name with fervent praise, reflecting the spirit of Psalm 113:2 and foreshadowing God lifting the humble.

Scholarly commentary

Psalms 113:2: "Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore."

Verse 2. - Blessed be the Name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. The prayer here is that God may be praised through all time, as in the next verse it is that he may be praised through all space. In connection with the praise of God, limits of time and place are unsuitable (comp. Psalm 115:18; Psalm 121:8; 125:8; 131:3; Isaiah 59:21; Micah 4:7).
pulpit

Psalms 113:1-4: "Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD."

Praise ye Jehovah. Praise, ye servants of Jehovah! praise the name of Jehovah. 2. Blessed be the name of Jehovah henceforth and for ever. 3. Jehovah's name is to be praised, from the rising of the sun unto his going down. 4. Jehovah is high above all nations, his glory is above the heavens.

1 Praise, ye servants of Jehovah! This psalm contains abundant reasons for all men without exception…
calvin

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What Psalms 113:2 means

Original language

Blessedבָּרַךְ

barak · Hebrew Verb

To pronounce a blessing or confer favor; when directed toward God, it is an act of adoration, declaring Him to be the source of all goodness and worthiness.

forevermoreעוֹלָם

olam · Hebrew Noun/Adverb

A reference to the infinite, eternal nature of God, who exists outside of time and whose reign persists through all generations.

Historical context

Written: The Psalms span a wide historical range, but Psalm 113 is often associated with the post-exilic period or the Levitical worship traditions.
Author: Traditionally understood as King David, though the exact authorship of many psalms remains uncertain.
Location: Likely written from the land of Israel, during the time of the united monarchy or during the Second Temple period.
Genre: Hebrew poetry, characterized by parallelism where lines or clauses echo, contrast, or expand upon each other.

Historical background

c. 1400 BC

Ten Commandments Given

God establishes His covenant with Israel, giving them the Law and revealing His name and character through Moses. This foundational event marks the beginning of Israel's formal relationship with God and their role as His people.

c. 1000 BC

Davidic Kingdom Established

King David unites Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital. This period sees a flourishing of worship and the consolidation of Israel's national identity under God's rule.

c. 960 BC

Solomon's Temple Dedicated

Solomon completes and dedicates the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place for Israelite worship and sacrifice. This event signifies God's dwelling place among His people.

722 BC

Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom

The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel and deports many of its inhabitants. This event serves as a stark warning about the consequences of disobedience.