Psalms 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

Psalms 113:9 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 113 belongs to the “Hallel” psalms (Psalms 113–118), which Jewish families recited at feasts such as Passover. These psalms praise God for His greatness and His care for the lowly. This verse is the final and climactic example of that care.

In ancient Israel, a woman who could not bear children often faced deep distress and social shame. People sometimes wrongly saw barrenness as a sign of God’s displeasure. The psalm declares that God alone can change such a condition.

Meaning

The Hebrew phrase translated “to keep house” can mean “to dwell in the house” or “to cause the house to be inhabited.” God gives the woman a settled home and family. The verse shows a dramatic shift from sorrow to joy, from emptiness to fulfilment.

The call “Praise ye the LORD” is not an afterthought. It ties this personal blessing to the whole psalm’s theme: God is worthy of praise because He lifts up the lowly and transforms desolation into joy. This final verse also serves as a fitting conclusion to the entire psalm, gathering its praise into one clear command.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes the accounts of Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, and Elizabeth, whose wombs God opened. Each story shows the same pattern: God hears the cry of the barren and gives the gift of a child. These connections confirm that God’s power to reverse barrenness is a consistent work throughout Scripture. The pattern also reveals God’s tender attention to personal sorrow, not just national deliverance.

Application

While the verse speaks directly about motherhood, its truth reaches every area of lack or struggle. God can bring transformation where there seems to be no hope. He can give stability, purpose, and joy in place of emptiness. This promise encourages believers to trust God’s ability to change circumstances. It also calls for a response of gratitude. When God acts, the fitting reply is praise.

Reflection

The God who gave children to the barren is the same God who cares for the lowly today. His mercy is not distant; it touches the most painful parts of human life. This verse invites every reader to believe that God sees, God acts, and God deserves praise. In a world where shame and disappointment often linger, this verse offers a sure hope that God’s power can turn any desolation into joy.