Psalms 135
Read Psalms 135 (WEB)+
1Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh’s name! Praise him, you servants of Yahweh, 2you who stand in Yahweh’s house, in the courts of our God’s house. 3Praise Yah, for Yahweh is good. Sing praises to his name, for that is pleasant. 4For Yah has chosen Jacob for himself; Israel for his own possession. 5For I know that Yahweh is great, that our Lord is above all gods. 6Whatever Yahweh pleased, that he has done, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps; 7who causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth; who makes lightnings with the rain; who brings the wind out of his treasuries; 8Who struck the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and animal; 9Who sent signs and wonders into the middle of you, Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his servants; 10who struck many nations, and killed mighty kings, 11Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, 12and gave their land for a heritage, a heritage to Israel, his people. 13Your name, Yahweh, endures forever; your renown, Yahweh, throughout all generations. 14For Yahweh will judge his people, and have compassion on his servants. 15The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. 16They have mouths, but they can’t speak. They have eyes, but they can’t see. 17They have ears, but they can’t hear; neither is there any breath in their mouths. 18Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them. 19House of Israel, praise Yahweh! House of Aaron, praise Yahweh! 20House of Levi, praise Yahweh! You who fear Yahweh, praise Yahweh! 21Blessed be Yahweh from Zion, Who dwells at Jerusalem. Praise Yah!
World English Bible (public domain)
“"For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods."”
Psalms 135:5
Summary
Psalm 135 is a vibrant call to praise the Lord, exalting His sovereignty over all creation and His faithfulness to His people. The chapter opens with an invitation to the servants of God, those who stand in His house, to offer Him praise. Praise is given to God for His greatness and for His hand in history from delivering the Israelites out of Egypt to defeating mighty kings. The psalm contrasts the living God with idols made by human hands, emphasizing that the Lord alone is real and active. The chapter concludes with a reminder of God’s enduring name and the call for the house of Israel, the priests, and all who fear the Lord to bless Him. Psalm 135 vividly showcases God's unchanging nature and His continuous acts of compassion and power, serving as a reminder of His steadfast love and promises.
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Chapter outline
How Psalms 135 unfolds
Psalm 135:1–3 Call to Praise
The psalm opens with a call to praise Yahweh, inviting His servants in the temple to sing praises for His goodness.
Psalm 135:4–7 Yahweh's Sovereignty
The psalmist asserts Yahweh's greatness and authority, emphasizing His power over creation and His actions throughout history.
Psalm 135:8–12 Historical Acts of Deliverance
The text recounts significant events, such as the plagues in Egypt and the conquest of Canaan, highlighting God's faithfulness to Israel.
Psalm 135:13–14 Enduring Name and Judgment
Yahweh's eternal name is proclaimed, and His role as judge and compassionate protector of His people is affirmed.
Psalm 135:15–18 Contrast with Idols
The psalm contrasts Yahweh with the powerless idols of the nations, emphasizing their inability to act or respond.
Psalm 135:19–21 Final Call to Praise
The psalm concludes with a universal invitation for all of Israel and those who revere Yahweh to bless His name.
Key verses
Psalms 135:5The key verse encapsulates the psalm's main assertion of Yahweh's supremacy, grounding the call to praise in His greatness.
Main themes in Psalms 135
praise
Praise is a central theme in Psalm 135, beginning with a call for the servants of the Lord to worship Him in verses 1-2. The psalm elaborates on this theme by recounting the goodness and mighty deeds of God throughout Israel's history, including His acts of creation and redemption. This collective praise serves to strengthen the community's identity, reinforcing their gratitude and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all creation.
sovereignty
Yahweh's sovereignty is prominently displayed in verses that affirm His greatness over all other gods. The psalm develops this theme by recounting powerful historical acts that demonstrate God’s control over nations and nature. Within the chapter, this sovereignty underlines why praise is due only to Him, contrasting His authority with the impotence of idols.
faithfulness
The theme of faithfulness is prominent in Psalm 135, particularly as the psalmist recalls God's historical acts of deliverance, such as His rescue of Israel from Egypt and their conquest of Canaan in verses 8-11. This theme emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His people and His enduring presence among them through all generations. The recollection of these events assures the community that, despite changing circumstances, Yahweh's promises and mercy remain steadfast and reliable.
idolatry
Idolatry is sharply contrasted with the worship of the living God in Psalm 135, especially in verses 15-18, which discuss the nature of idols. The psalm reveals the futility of trusting in lifeless, man-made objects that possess no true power or agency. This contrast serves to redirect Israel's focus back to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing His active and life-giving role in their lives and the futility of any rival beliefs.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalms 135
- Jeremiah 10Jeremiah 10 connects with Psalm 135 by critiquing the futility of idols, reinforcing the idea of Yahweh's sovereignty over all.
- Psalm 115Psalm 115 echoes the contrast between the living God and idols, emphasizing their impotence compared to Yahweh's greatness.
- Isaiah 46Isaiah 46 develops the theme of God's sovereignty, illustrating His knowledge and power compared to lifeless idols.
- Psalm 33Psalm 33 connects through themes of praise and God's sovereign control over creation, inviting worship from His people.
- Daniel 4Daniel 4 echoes the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over kingdoms, aligning with the historical context in Psalm 135.
- Psalm 136Psalm 136 connects with the emphasis on God's enduring love and faithfulness, reinforcing the reasons for Israel's praise.
Study questions
Questions for studying Psalms 135
- Who is invited to praise Yahweh in this psalm?
- What actions of God are highlighted in verses 8 to 12?
- How does the psalm contrast Yahweh with the idols mentioned?
- What does the enduring name of Yahweh signify in verse 13?
- In what ways does this psalm demonstrate God's sovereignty?
- What is the significance of the call for all Israel to praise Yahweh?
- How does the historical context of Israel shape the themes in this psalm?
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