He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump He raises the poor from the dustThis phrase highlights God's compassion and power to elevate those in humble circumstances. In biblical times, "dust" often symbolized lowliness, mourning, or mortality ( Genesis 3:19). The imagery of being raised from the dust suggests a transformation from a state of despair to one of dignity. This act of divine intervention is consistent with God's character as seen throughout Scripture, where He often chooses the lowly and despised to accomplish His purposes ( 1 Samuel 2:8, James 2:5). The raising of the poor can also be seen as a type of Christ's resurrection power, which lifts believers from spiritual death to life ( Ephesians 2:4-6). and lifts the needy from the dump
The "dump" or "ash heap" refers to a place of refuse and rejection, symbolizing extreme poverty and social marginalization. In ancient Near Eastern culture, those who were destitute often lived on the outskirts of society, scavenging for survival. God's action of lifting the needy from such a place underscores His role as a redeemer and restorer. This theme is echoed in the Magnificat, where Mary praises God for exalting the humble (Luke 1:52). The lifting of the needy prefigures the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who offers hope and restoration to all who are spiritually impoverished (Matthew 5:3). Persons / Places / Events 1. The Poor and NeedyThis refers to individuals who are economically disadvantaged or in a state of humility and need. In the biblical context, these terms often symbolize those who are spiritually humble and reliant on God. 2. The Dust and Ash HeapThese are symbolic places representing lowliness, despair, and degradation. In ancient times, dust and ashes were associated with mourning and repentance. 3. GodThe central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the one who intervenes in the lives of the poor and needy, demonstrating His power and compassion. Teaching Points God's Compassion for the HumbleGod is deeply concerned with the plight of the humble and needy. His actions demonstrate His love and compassion, reminding us that no situation is beyond His reach. Divine ReversalThe verse illustrates a divine reversal where God changes the status of individuals, lifting them from lowliness to honor. This encourages believers to trust in God's timing and sovereignty. Spiritual HumilityThe physical lifting of the poor symbolizes spiritual truths. Believers are called to maintain humility, recognizing their dependence on God for spiritual elevation. Hope in DespairThis verse offers hope to those in despair, assuring them that God sees their condition and has the power to change it. It encourages perseverance and faith in God's promises. Call to ActionAs followers of Christ, we are called to emulate God's compassion by helping those in need, reflecting His love and mercy in our communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Psalm 113:7 reflect God's character and His relationship with humanity? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of divine reversal in our own lives, especially when facing challenging circumstances? 3. How do the themes in Psalm 113:7 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly regarding humility and exaltation? 4. What practical steps can we take to demonstrate God's compassion to the poor and needy in our communities? 5. How does understanding the cultural and historical context of "dust" and "ash heap" enhance our interpretation of this verse? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 2:8This verse echoes the theme of God lifting the needy, as Hannah praises God for raising the poor from the dust and seating them with princes. It highlights God's ability to transform lives and elevate the humble. Luke 1:52Mary's Magnificat reflects a similar theme, where God is praised for bringing down rulers and lifting up the humble, showing the continuity of God's character throughout the Bible. James 4:10This New Testament verse encourages believers to humble themselves before the Lord, who will then lift them up, reinforcing the principle of divine exaltation of the humble. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Ash, Dunghill, Dung-hill, Dust, Exalteth, Heap, Lifteth, Lifting, Lifts, Low, Needy, Poor, Position, Raises, Raiseth, Raising, TakesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 113:7 5449 poverty, remedies Psalm 113:7-9 6688 mercy, demonstration of God's Library Boniface, Apostle of the Germans.
BONIFACE, or Winfried, as they called him in Anglo-Saxon, born at Crediton in Devonshire, in 680, deserves to be honoured as the father of the German Church, although he was by no means the first who brought the seeds of the Gospel to Germany. Many had already laboured before him; but the efforts which had been made here and there did not suffice to secure the endurance of Christianity amongst the many perils to which it was exposed. Christianity needs to be linked with firm ecclesiastical institutions, …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark PlacesThe Consecration of Joy
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 34. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. 35. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord; on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
IT was the last, the great day of the Feast,' and Jesus was once more in the Temple. We can scarcely doubt that it was the concluding day of the Feast, and not, as most modern writers suppose, its Octave, which, in Rabbinic language, was regarded as a festival by itself.' [3987] [3988] But such solemn interest attaches to the Feast, and this occurrence on its last day, that we must try to realise the scene. We have here the only Old Testament type yet unfilfilled; the only Jewish festival which has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition.
(a) The supreme and unique revelation of God to man is in the Person of the Incarnate Son. But though unique the Incarnation is not solitary. Before it there was the divine institution of the Law and the Prophets, the former a typical anticipation (de Incarn. 40. 2) of the destined reality, and along with the latter (ib. 12. 2 and 5) for all the world a holy school of the knowledge of God and the conduct of the soul.' After it there is the history of the life and teaching of Christ and the writings …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 113:7 NIVPsalm 113:7 NLTPsalm 113:7 ESVPsalm 113:7 NASBPsalm 113:7 KJV
Psalm 113:7 Commentaries
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