He raiseth up all who are bowed down.
—Psalm 145:14.
Assyrian usage supports the view that the poor and the needy of the psalms, and the barren woman of Psalm 113 are not to be interpreted as the Jewish nation, but as individuals. Yahwe, says the Psalmist, is the incomparable God, in that from his glorious seat in the heavens he bendeth low to help the needy upon the earth,
He raiseth from the dust the poor;
From the dunghill he lifteth up the needy,
To cause him to sit with princes,
Even with the princes of his people;
He maketh the barren woman to remain at home,
As a mother of children, joyous.
—Psalm 113:7ff.