Psalms 135 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 135

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to various authors, including King David, who is believed to have written the majority of the psalms. Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise, celebrating the power and majesty of God and his sovereignty over all creation. The psalmist in this chapter calls upon the people of Israel to praise the Lord, acknowledging his unique role as the creator and sustainer of the universe. The passage highlights God’s authority over the nations, his control over the forces of nature, and his unwavering commitment to his chosen people. The psalmist also contrasts the true and living God with the lifeless idols worshipped by other nations, emphasizing the futility of such false worship.

Throughout the psalm, the author draws upon themes and imagery found in other biblical books, such as the Exodus narrative in the Book of Exodus and the prophetic writings of Isaiah. These intertextual connections serve to reinforce the psalmist’s message and situate the psalm within the broader context of the Israelite faith.

Psalms 135:1-4

The verse in Psalms 135:1-4 can be broken down into sections that each convey a profound message. The opening statement in verse 1 calls upon the servants of the Lord to praise His name. This signifies a call to worship, reverence, and gratitude towards God, highlighting His sovereignty and supremacy over all creation. It sets the tone for the rest of the passage by emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating God’s greatness.

The following section in verse 2 mentions the house of the Lord and the courts of the house of our God. This alludes to a specific place of worship, potentially referring to the tabernacle or temple where the Israelites gathered to offer sacrifices and worship God. The reference to the house of God carries a deeper significance, as it symbolizes the presence of God among His people and the sacredness of communal worship.

Moving on to verse 3, the psalmist shifts the focus to the Lord’s goodness and the beauty of His chosen people. Here, the emphasis is on God’s favor and blessings bestowed upon the nation of Israel. This recognition of God’s kindness and favor serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience in order to receive His blessings.

Verse 4 introduces the concept of the Lord choosing Jacob for Himself and Israel as His special treasure. This references the divine election of Israel as a chosen nation by God, starting with the patriarch Jacob whose name was changed to Israel after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28). Throughout the Bible, God’s special relationship with Israel is a recurring theme, underscoring His faithfulness to His promises and His enduring love for His people despite their shortcomings. Psalms 135:1-4 conveys a message of praise, worship, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness towards His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of communal worship, obedience to God’s commandments, and the special relationship God shares with those who choose to follow Him. This passage reinforces the themes of God’s chosen people, His covenant faithfulness, and the call to praise Him for His mighty works and blessings throughout history.

Psalms 135:5-7

The verses in Psalms 135:5-7 read, “For I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.” The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.”

The first part of these verses focuses on the greatness of the Lord compared to all other gods. It emphasizes the supremacy and sovereignty of God, highlighting that He is above all powers and authorities. This aspect is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the belief in one true God is key to the teachings. Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous instances where God proves His superiority over false gods worshipped by various nations. One notable example is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:16-46, where God showed His power by consuming a water-drenched sacrifice with fire from heaven, demonstrating that He is the one true God.

The following lines in the verse describe the complete authority and control God has over nature. It paints a picture of God’s omnipotence in orchestrating all aspects of creation according to His will. This idea is echoed in passages like Job 37:5-13, where God’s power over the natural world, from the winds to the lightning, is a manifestation of His majesty. This portrayal of God as the master of the elements not only instills awe and reverence but also speaks to His ability to intervene and work miracles in the lives of His people. Psalms 135:5-7 declares faith in God’s greatness and power. It encourages believers to trust in His supremacy over all things and find solace in His control over creation. The verses remind us that God is not only mighty but also intimately involved in the workings of the world, from the heavens to the earth. This message resonates throughout the Bible, showing God’s continuous presence and authority in the lives of His people, guiding them and demonstrating His glory in miraculous ways.

Psalms 135:8-12

Careful exploration is required to fully grasp the depth of the message being conveyed in Psalms 135:8-12. Let’s break down these sections to provide a thorough commentary on their significance within the context of Psalms 135.

Verse 8 starts by stating, “He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both people and animals.” This verse alludes to the tenth plague that God inflicted upon the Egyptians before the Israelites were freed from slavery. God sent the Angel of Death to strike down the firstborn in every Egyptian household, fulfilling this prophecy in Exodus 12:29-30. This event marked a significant moment in the history of God’s people, demonstrating His power over the gods of Egypt and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises to the Israelites. This event highlights the theme of God’s justice and protection over His chosen people, a theme that runs throughout the Bible.

Moving on to verse 9, it reads, “He performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his servants.” This verse recalls the various miracles and plagues that God unleashed upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. These signs and wonders not only displayed God’s power but also served as a testimony to the nations surrounding Egypt, showcasing the might and sovereignty of the one true God. The confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, culminating in the exodus of the Israelites, is a testament to God’s deliverance and provision for His people. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God’s plan, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Verse 10 continues with, “He struck down many nations and killed mighty kings.” This verse points to the victories that God granted the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. The conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua saw the defeat of powerful nations and kings, such as the Amorites, Canaanites, and Jebusites. These conquests were not merely acts of war but were divinely orchestrated events to establish the Israelites in the land that God had promised to their forefathers. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises and the importance of trusting in His guidance and protection during times of conflict and uncertainty. Verse 11 mentions “Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan.”” These specific kings were prominent figures in the battles for the land of Canaan. Sihon and Og were two powerful kings who opposed the Israelites’ entry into the Promised Land but were defeated through God’s intervention. Their defeat not only secured the land for the Israelites but also demonstrated God’s power over the rulers of the earth. The mention of the kings of Canaan underscores the widespread impact of God’s judgment on the nations that stood in opposition to His chosen people. It serves as a reminder that God’s sovereignty extends over all earthly authorities and that His plans will ultimately prevail. The psalmist declares in verse 12, “and he gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to his people Israel.”” This verse highlights the culmination of God’s promise to the Israelites – the inheritance of the land of Canaan as their possession. The land was not merely a piece of real estate but a symbol of God’s faithfulness, provision, and covenant relationship with His people. The concept of inheritance in the Bible carries profound spiritual significance, symbolizing the blessings and promises that God bestows upon His children. Believers today inherit the promises of salvation, eternal life, and God’s presence through Christ, just as the Israelites received their inheritance through God’s grace and faithfulness. This verse underscores the enduring nature of God’s promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them in His perfect timing. Psalms 135:8-12 encapsulates the historical events of God’s deliverance, judgment, and faithfulness towards His people. It serves as a reminder of God’s power over the nations, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His sovereignty in all aspects of human history. These verses not only recount the past actions of God but also point to His timeless character and unchanging nature, providing assurance and hope to believers in every generation.

Psalms 135:13-14

The verses in Psalms 135:13-14 read: “Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages.” For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.” These two verses highlight the eternal nature of God’s name and reputation, emphasizing His enduring presence and reputation throughout all ages. The psalmist is proclaiming the sovereignty and unchanging nature of God, affirming His faithfulness to His people.

The mention of God vindicating His people and having compassion on His servants is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. God delivers and vindicates His people in the Old Testament, as seen in examples like the Israelites being rescued from slavery in Egypt, Joshua’s conquest of Jericho, and David’s victory over Goliath. These stories serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, protection, and compassion towards those who serve Him.

The concept of God vindicating His people is also seen in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. God brings about justice for His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night, as Jesus speaks in Luke 18:7-8. This assurance of God’s justice and compassion brings comfort and reassurance to believers, knowing that God sees their struggles and will ultimately bring vindication and redemption. Psalms 135:13-14 emphasizes the unchanging nature of God, His faithfulness to His people, and His promise to vindicate and show compassion to those who serve Him. These verses serve as a powerful reminder of God’s enduring love and care for His followers, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, highlighting His consistent character throughout all of history.

Psalms 135:15-18

The verses in Psalms 135:15-18 read: “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands.” They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them.”

This passage brings to light the contrast between the idols of the nations, made of silver and gold by human hands, and the one true God who is alive, who sees, hears, and breathes life into His creation. The psalmist emphasizes the futility of worshiping idols who are inanimate objects and cannot interact with or respond to the needs of their followers. The implication here is that those who place their trust in such lifeless idols essentially become spiritually dead like the very idols they worship.

This concept of idols made by human hands is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The people of Israel in the book of Exodus crafted a golden calf and worshipped it as their god while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. This act of idolatry angered the Lord, showing His jealousy for His people’s undivided worship and loyalty.

The Bible consistently warns against idolatry, as seen in verses like Exodus 20:3-6, where God commands, “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol.” This commandment underscores the importance of worshiping the one true living God and not placing any created thing above Him.

The consequences of idol worship are discussed in various parts of the Bible, such as in Jeremiah 10:14-15, where it states, “Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. The message in Psalms 135:15-18 ultimately serves as a reminder to prioritize a relationship with the living God who is all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-powerful, rather than putting trust in lifeless idols that cannot save or bring true fulfillment. It highlights the importance of genuine worship and faith in God alone, who is worthy of all honor and praise.

Psalms 135:19-21

Verse 19 of Psalms 135 begins by emphasizing the transcendence and eternal nature of God: “O house of Israel, bless the Lord! O house of Aaron, bless the Lord!” This verse calls upon the people of Israel, represented by the house of Israel and the house of Aaron (the priestly line), to offer praise and worship to the Lord. The mention of these specific groups highlights the importance of communal worship and the role of priests in leading the people in honoring God.

The reference to the house of Israel reminds the readers of God’s covenant with His chosen people, which dates back to the time of Abraham. The Israelites were called to be a light to the nations and to represent God’s righteousness and holiness on the earth. The house of Aaron, on the other hand, represents the priesthood established by God to serve in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The priests were tasked with offering sacrifices on behalf of the people and mediating between God and humanity. The focus shifts to the Levites in verse 20 as they are called to “bless the Lord,” O house of Levi. You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord!” The Levites were appointed as assistants to the priests in the service of the Tabernacle and the Temple. They were responsible for various tasks related to the worship and maintenance of the sacred spaces. The mention of those who fear the Lord broadens the call to worship beyond the specific priestly and Levitical lineages to include all who revere and honor God.

This verse underscores the inclusivity of God’s invitation to worship Him. It doesn’t matter one’s lineage or position in society; all who fear the Lord are called to bless Him. This echoes the overarching theme in the Bible of God’s universal love and desire for all people to come to know Him and worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Finally, verse 21 concludes with a benediction: “Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the Lord!” This verse points to Zion, the symbolic place of God’s presence and reign on earth. Zion referred to the hill on which the Temple in Jerusalem was built in the Old Testament. It was a physical and spiritual center for the worship of God. Blessing the Lord out of Zion signifies acknowledging God’s sovereignty and authority over all creation.

The call to praise the Lord at the end of this verse reinforces the central message of the psalm: to exalt and worship God above all else. It serves as a reminder to the readers that regardless of the challenges they face or the circumstances they find themselves in, God is deserving of praise and adoration. This timeless message resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God with a sincere and humble heart. Other verses in the Bible, such as Psalm 96:9-10 and Psalm 150:6, also exhort believers to praise and worship the Lord in recognition of His greatness and majesty.

After Psalms 135

The reverend stood before the congregation, his voice carrying the weight of the chapter’s message. The Lord is great and his power is unmatched, as we have seen. He does whatever pleases him, in heaven and on earth. Yet, the idols of the nations are but silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak; eyes, but cannot see. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”

The reverend paused, allowing the words to sink in. “But the Lord our God is the one true God. He is the one who has chosen us, the one who has redeemed us. And it is to him that we must turn, for in him alone can we find true salvation.”