ScriptureDepth's study of Psalm 135
“For I know that Yahweh is great, that our Lord is above all gods.”
Psalms 135:5
The psalmist declares to the people that Yahweh is great, which settles the matter of His supremacy over all gods in this chapter.
What Psalm 135 is about
The psalmist calls for praise to Yahweh from his servants in the temple (vv. 1-3). He affirms that Yahweh is good and has chosen Jacob, Israel, for himself (v. 4). Yahweh is declared to be greater than all gods (v. 5). The psalmist states that Yahweh does whatever he pleases in the heavens and on earth (vv. 6-7). He recalls how Yahweh struck Egypt's firstborn and sent signs and wonders to Pharaoh and his servants (vv. 8-9). The psalmist lists kings that Yahweh defeated, including Sihon and Og, and how he gave their lands to Israel (vv. 10-12). Yahweh's name endures forever, and he will judge his people with compassion (vv. 13-14). The psalmist contrasts Yahweh with the idols made by human hands that cannot see or hear (vv. 15-18). Finally, he calls all Israel to praise Yahweh from Zion, where he dwells (vv. 19-21).
Praise Yahweh from Zion, for he dwells at Jerusalem.
Psalm 135 at a glance
- Psalm 135:1–3Call to Praise
- Psalm 135:4–7Yahweh's Sovereignty
- Psalm 135:8–12Historical Acts of Deliverance
- Psalm 135:13–14Enduring Name and Judgment
- Psalm 135:15–18Contrast with Idols
- Psalm 135:19–21Final Call to Praise
Key verse: Psalms 135:5
One thing to notice
Verses 1-3 contain a call to praise directed at the servants of Yahweh. The repeated phrase in v. 1, 'Praise Yah!' invites all Israel to participate in worship together. This communal tone is evident throughout these verses.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Psalm 135 (WEB)
Call to Praise Psalm 135:1–3
1Verse 1. Praise Yah!Praise Yahweh’s name!Praise him, you servants of Yahweh,2Verse 2. you who stand in Yahweh’s house,in the courts of our God’s house.3Verse 3. Praise Yah, for Yahweh is good.Sing praises to his name, for that is pleasant.
Yahweh's Sovereignty Psalm 135:4–7
4Verse 4. For Yah has chosen Jacob for himself;Israel for his own possession.5Verse 5. For I know that Yahweh is great,that our Lord is above all gods.6Verse 6. Whatever Yahweh pleased, that he has done,in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps;7Verse 7. who 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;
Historical Acts of Deliverance Psalm 135:8–12
8Verse 8. Who struck the firstborn of Egypt,both of man and animal;9Verse 9. Who sent signs and wonders into the middle of you, Egypt,on Pharaoh, and on all his servants;10Verse 10. who struck many nations,and killed mighty kings,11Verse 11. Sihon king of the Amorites,Og king of Bashan,and all the kingdoms of Canaan,12Verse 12. and gave their land for a heritage,a heritage to Israel, his people.
Enduring Name and Judgment Psalm 135:13–14
13Verse 13. Your name, Yahweh, endures forever;your renown, Yahweh, throughout all generations.14Verse 14. For Yahweh will judge his people,and have compassion on his servants.
Contrast with Idols Psalm 135:15–18
15Verse 15. The idols of the nations are silver and gold,the work of men’s hands.16Verse 16. They have mouths, but they can’t speak.They have eyes, but they can’t see.17Verse 17. They have ears, but they can’t hear;neither is there any breath in their mouths.18Verse 18. Those who make them will be like them;yes, everyone who trusts in them.
Final Call to Praise Psalm 135:19–21
19Verse 19. House of Israel, praise Yahweh!House of Aaron, praise Yahweh!20Verse 20. House of Levi, praise Yahweh!You who fear Yahweh, praise Yahweh!21Verse 21. Blessed be Yahweh from Zion,Who dwells at Jerusalem.Praise Yah!
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Psalm 135
praise
Praise Yahweh is a central command throughout Psalm 135, beginning with the call to 'Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh’s name!' in v. 1. This invitation is directed to the 'servants of Yahweh' who are positioned in 'Yahweh's house' (v. 2), highlighting the communal aspect of worship. The psalmist extols the goodness of Yahweh in v. 3, urging all to sing praises to His name, which sets the tone for the entire chapter.
sovereignty
God's sovereignty is pronounced in verses 5-7, where the psalmist declares that 'Yahweh is great' and 'above all gods.' In v. 6, it notes that 'Whatever Yahweh pleased, that he has done,' affirming His authority over creation. The description of Him making clouds, lightnings, and wind (v. 7) reinforces His unmatched power and control over nature and history.
faithfulness
Yahweh's faithfulness is shown in verses 4 and 12, recounting His choice of Jacob and Israel as His own possession. This decision indicates a lasting relationship with His people, characterized by care and deliverance. Verse 14 mentions that 'Yahweh will judge his people,' which affirms His ongoing commitment to Israel across generations.
idolatry
In vv. 15-18, the text addresses the futility of idolatry, stating that 'The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.' The psalm describes idols as having mouths, eyes, and ears but lacking the ability to perceive or act (vv. 16-17). It concludes with a stark warning in v. 18, asserting that 'Those who make them will be like them,' indicating a grave consequence for trust in powerless idols.
Chapter outline
How Psalm 135 unfolds
Psalm 135:1–3 Call to Praise
The verses command the servants of Yahweh to praise his name while gathered in his house and affirm that singing praises is a pleasant act (vv. 1-3).
Psalm 135:4–7 Yahweh's Sovereignty
Yahweh chooses 'Jacob for himself' and 'Israel for his own possession,' asserting his greatness above all gods. He accomplishes 'whatever Yahweh pleased' in heaven, earth, and seas, causing clouds and making lightning and wind.
Psalm 135:8–12 Historical Acts of Deliverance
Yahweh strikes 'the firstborn of Egypt' and sends 'signs and wonders' against Pharaoh and his servants. He defeats 'mighty kings' like Sihon and Og, giving their land to Israel as a heritage.
Psalm 135:13–14 Enduring Name and Judgment
In these verses, the psalmist proclaims the enduring nature of Yahweh’s name and his role as judge who is compassionate toward his people (vv. 13-14).
Psalm 135:15–18 Contrast with Idols
These verses present a stark contrast, describing the idols made by human hands that lack the ability to see, hear, or breathe, warning that those who create and trust in them will become like them (vv. 15-18).
Psalm 135:19–21 Final Call to Praise
The final verses call various groups within Israel to praise Yahweh, ending with a blessing that acknowledges his presence in Jerusalem (vv. 19-21).
Key verses
Psalms 135:5The psalmist declares to the people that Yahweh is great, which settles the matter of His supremacy over all gods in this chapter.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Psalm 135
- observeWhat act does Yahweh perform in v6 that shows His sovereignty over creation?
- observeWhich nations does the psalm mention Yahweh struck in vv. 10-11?
- interpretThe contrast between 'idols' and Yahweh in vv. 15-18: what does this suggest about trust?
- interpretIn v12, why is it significant that Yahweh gives 'their land' to Israel?
- applyWhen have you placed your trust in something that, like 'idols', cannot speak or act (v15)?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalm 135
- Jeremiah 10Psalm 135:16 and Jeremiah 10:14Both describe idols as unable to speak or see: Psalm 135:16 claims they have mouths and eyes, while Jeremiah 10:14 states there is no breath in them.
- Psalm 115Psalm 135:6 and Psalm 115:3Both affirm God's sovereignty in action: Psalm 135:6 notes Yahweh does whatever He pleases, while Psalm 115:3 states He does what He pleases in heaven.
- Isaiah 46Psalm 135:6 and Isaiah 46:10Both assert God’s complete control: Psalm 135:6 says He does whatever He pleased, while Isaiah 46:10 declares His counsel will stand.
- Psalm 33Psalm 135:6 and Psalm 33:9Both affirm God's power in creation: Psalm 135:6 states He does what pleases Him, while Psalm 33:9 says He spoke and it was done.
- Daniel 4Psalm 135:6 and Daniel 4:35Both highlight God’s authority over all: Psalm 135:6 states He does what He pleases, while Daniel 4:35 asserts no one can stop His hand.
- Psalm 136Psalm 135:8 and Psalm 136:10Both recount God striking the firstborn of Egypt: Psalm 135:8 parallels Psalm 136:10 in recalling this act of judgment.
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