Psalm 113

Scroll of the Psalms

Psalm 113 is the 113th psalm of the Book of Psalms (Psalm 112 in Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate). It is very similar to the Song of Hannah.^[1]

The psalm is often known by its first two words, Laudate pueri, and there are many musical settings including in Claudio Monteverdi's Vespro della Beata Vergine of 1610.

Uses within Judaism

• Is the first of six psalms (113-118) of which Hallel is composed. On all days when Hallel is recited, this psalm is recited in its entirety.^[2]
• Verse 2 is part of Baruch Hashem L'Olam during Maariv,^[3] the mezuman preceding Birkat Hamazon,^[4] is recited when opening the Hakafot on Simchat Torah,^[5] and is found in the repetition of the Mussaf Amidah on Rosh Hashanah.^[6]
• Verses 2-4 are the second thru fourth verses of Yehi Kivod of Pesukei Dezimra.^[7]

Musical settings

• Tonus peregrinus, most often associated with this psalm in Gregorian chant
• Anton Bruckner: Psalm 112 Alleluja! Lobet den Herrn, ihr Diener WAB 35 (1863)
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: K. 321, K. 339 (movements in his settings of Vespers)
• George Frideric Handel: HWV 236 in List of compositions by George Frideric Handel
• George Frideric Handel: HWV 237 in List of compositions by George Frideric Handel
• Antonio Vivaldi: RV 600 in List of compositions by Antonio Vivaldi

References

1. David Noel Freedman, “Psalm 113 and the Song of Hannah,” in Pottery, Poetry and Prophecy: Studies in Early Hebrew Poetry (Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1980) 243 – 261.
2. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 633
3. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 265
4. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 185
5. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 759
6. The Complete Artscroll Machzor for Rosh Hashanah page 503
7. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 64