Psalms – Chapter 113

Old Testament26 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 113 of Psalms begins: "When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:" The chapter centers on Aaron and Jacob. Across its 26 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and God's protection and deliverance. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:

2Judea was made his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

3The sea saw and fled: Jordan was turned back.

4The mountains skipped like rams, and the hills like the lambs of the flock.

5What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee: and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back?

6Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams, and ye hills, like lambs of the flock?

7At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob:

8Who turned the rock into pools of water, and the stony hill into fountains of waters.

9Not to us, O Lord, not to us; but to thy name give glory.

10For thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake: lest the Gentiles should say: Where is their God?

11But our God is in heaven: he hath done all things whatsoever he would.

12The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, the works of the hands of men.

13They have mouths and speak not: they have eyes and see not.

14They have ears and hear not: they have noses and smell not.

15They have hands and feel not: they have feet and walk not: neither shall they cry out through their throat.

16Let them that make them become like unto them: and all such as trust in them.

17The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector.

18The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector.

19They that fear the Lord have hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector.

20The Lord hath been mindful of us, and hath blessed us. He hath blessed the house of Israel: he hath blessed the house of Aaron.

21He hath blessed all that fear the Lord, both little and great.

22May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you, and upon your children.

23Blessed be you of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

24The heaven of heaven is the Lord's: but the earth he has given to the children of men.

25The dead shall not praise thee, O Lord: nor any of them that go down to hell.

26But we that live bless the Lord: from this time now and for ever.

Important Verses in Psalms 113

At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob:

Psalms 113:7

For thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake: lest the Gentiles should say: Where is their God?

Psalms 113:10

The Lord hath been mindful of us, and hath blessed us. He hath blessed the house of Israel: he hath blessed the house of Aaron.

Psalms 113:20

Blessed be you of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalms 113:23

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 113 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 26 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Aaron and Jacob appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:" The chapter ends with: "But we that live bless the Lord: from this time now and for ever. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 7: "At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob:" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 113 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Cyril of Alexandria and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1502).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • Christian hope rests not on circumstances but on the unfailing promises of God.

People in This Chapter

Aaron2 mentionsJacob2 mentions

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 113, containing 26 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1324). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

As you continue through Psalms, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 113 about?

Psalms 113 contains 26 verses. It opens with "When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people:" and closes with "But we that live bless the Lord: from this time now and for ever. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 113?

One of the most significant verses is verse 7: "At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 113?

This chapter mentions Aaron, Jacob.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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