Psalms 135

¹ Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise [him], O ye servants of the LORD.

² Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,

³ Praise the LORD; for the LORD [is] good: sing praises unto his name; for [it is] pleasant.

⁴ For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, [and] Israel for his peculiar treasure.

⁵ For I know that the LORD [is] great, and [that] our Lord [is] above all gods.

⁶ Whatsoever the LORD pleased, [that] did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

⁷ He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

⁸ Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.

⁹ [Who] sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

¹⁰ Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

¹¹ Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:

¹² And gave their land [for] an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.

¹³ Thy name, O LORD, [endureth] for ever; [and] thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.

¹⁴ For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

¹⁵ The idols of the heathen [are] silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.

¹⁶ They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;

¹⁷ They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there [any] breath in their mouths.

¹⁸ They that make them are like unto them: [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

¹⁹ Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:

²⁰ Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.

²¹ Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Overview of Psalm 135

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise that emphasizes the greatness of God, His sovereignty, and the futility of idolatry. It serves as a reminder to the faithful of God’s enduring love and power, contrasting the living God with the lifeless idols worshipped by other nations.

Structure of the Psalm

The chapter can be divided into three main sections:

1. Praise for God’s Goodness (Verses 1-3)
2. The Sovereignty of God (Verses 4-12)
3. The Futility of Idolatry (Verses 13-18)
4. A Call to Worship (Verses 19-21)

Praise for God’s Goodness (Verses 1-3)

The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord, emphasizing the importance of worship. The repetition of the phrase “Praise the Lord” serves to engage the congregation in communal worship.

• The call to praise is directed to the servants of the Lord, indicating a communal aspect of worship.
• Joyful worship is encouraged, highlighting the relationship between God and His people.
• The emphasis on God’s name suggests His character and attributes, inviting deeper reflection on who God is.

The Sovereignty of God (Verses 4-12)

This section elaborates on God’s choice of Israel as His people and recounts His mighty acts in history.

• God’s Election: The psalmist declares that God has chosen Israel, underscoring the special relationship between God and His chosen people.
• Creation and Control: The verses affirm God’s sovereignty over creation, illustrating His power through the natural world.
• Historical Acts: The psalmist recalls significant events, such as the Exodus, to remind the people of God’s faithfulness and might.

The Futility of Idolatry (Verses 13-18)

This section contrasts the living God with the idols of the nations, emphasizing their impotence and the folly of worshipping them.

• Enduring Nature of God: God’s name and fame endure forever, highlighting His eternal nature.
• Idols as Deceptive: The psalmist describes idols as having mouths, eyes, and ears but being unable to speak, see, or hear, illustrating their lifelessness.
• Consequences of Idolatry: Those who make and trust in idols become like them, suggesting a moral and spiritual decline.

A Call to Worship (Verses 19-21)

The final verses serve as a concluding exhortation to the house of Israel and the house of Aaron to bless the Lord.

• Encouragement to Worship: The call to bless the Lord reinforces the importance of acknowledging God’s goodness and mercy.
• Location of Worship: The mention of Zion as the dwelling place of God emphasizes the significance of Jerusalem in the worship of the Lord.
• Conclusion of Praise: The psalm ends with a reiteration of the call to praise, encapsulating the overall theme of worship and reverence for God.

Theological Themes

• God’s Sovereignty: The psalm affirms God’s ultimate authority over all creation and history.
• Idolatry’s Futility: The text warns against the worship of false gods, emphasizing their inability to provide true fulfillment.
• Divine Faithfulness: God’s historical acts of deliverance serve as a reminder of His unwavering commitment to His people.

Conclusion

Psalm 135 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of worshiping the living God while rejecting the empty promises of idolatry. It encourages the faithful to recognize God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, fostering a spirit of gratitude and praise in the community of believers.