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Psalms 135

Chapter Text

Praise the LORD

Summary

Psalm 135 is a comprehensive hymn of praise calling upon the servants of the Lord to praise His name. It celebrates God's sovereign choice of Israel, His power over nature and nations, and His mighty works in the Exodus and conquest of Canaan.

The psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols that have mouths but speak not, echoing the polemic of Psalm 115. Those who make idols become like them. The psalm concludes with a litany of blessing from all sections of God's people: the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, the house of Levi, and all who fear the Lord.

Meaning

This psalm teaches that praise is grounded in knowledge of who God is and what He has done. The call to praise is not vague sentiment but is supported by specific acts of divine power and covenant faithfulness.

God's sovereign freedom is emphasized: He does whatever He pleases in heaven, earth, seas, and the depths. This is not arbitrary power but purposeful sovereignty exercised in the election and redemption of His people.

The repeated polemic against idols serves as a warning that worship directed toward anything other than the living God produces spiritual deadness. The worshipper becomes like the object of worship, which makes the choice of whom to worship the most consequential decision a person can make.

Background

This psalm has no author attribution and draws extensively on other biblical texts, including Psalms 113, 115, and 136, as well as Deuteronomy and Exodus. Its composite nature suggests it was compiled for liturgical use.

The psalm's fourfold blessing from Israel, Aaron, Levi, and God-fearers suggests a broad worship assembly that included both Israelites and Gentile converts.

Chapter Outline

  1. vv. 1-4Call to Praise in God's House
  2. vv. 5-7The LORD's Sovereignty Over Creation
  3. vv. 8-12Mighty Acts in Israel's History
  4. vv. 13-14The Eternal Name and Compassion of God
  5. vv. 15-18The Folly of Idols
  6. vv. 19-21Fourfold Summons to Bless the LORD

Key Verses

“Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.”— 135:3

A foundational call to worship grounded in God's intrinsic goodness, pairing duty with delight. Frequently cited as a model for why praise is both commanded and inherently joyful.

“Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”— 135:6

A sweeping declaration of divine sovereignty over every realm of creation, foundational to the doctrine of God's universal reign and freedom of will.

“The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands... They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.”— 135:15-18

A piercing critique of idolatry warning that worshippers become like what they worship. Echoed nearly verbatim in Psalm 115 and central to biblical theology of true versus false worship.

People & Places

People

  • Jacob — Patriarch whose name represents the chosen nation of Israel.
  • Israel — The covenant people called God's 'peculiar treasure.'
  • Pharaoh — The Egyptian king struck during the plagues of the Exodus.
  • Sihon — Amorite king defeated by Israel east of the Jordan.
  • Og — Giant king of Bashan conquered during the wilderness journey.
  • Aaron — Israel's first high priest, whose house represents the priesthood.
  • Levi — Patriarch of the priestly tribe set apart for temple service.

Places

  • House of the LORD — The temple in Jerusalem where priests and Levites ministered.
  • Egypt — Land of Israel's bondage and site of God's mighty deliverance.
  • Bashan — Region east of the Jordan ruled by King Og before Israel's conquest.
  • Canaan — The promised land given to Israel as an inheritance.
  • Zion — The temple mount in Jerusalem, dwelling place of the LORD.
  • Jerusalem — Israel's holy city and seat of worship.

Devotional

Psalm 135 reminds us that worship is not invented but responsive — we praise because God is good, sovereign, and faithful to His promises. The psalmist anchors praise in memory: God acted in Egypt, in the wilderness, in Canaan, and He acts still.

The warning about idols (vv. 15-18) cuts deep. Whatever we trust shapes us; lifeless gods produce lifeless hearts. Today's idols may be subtler — money, image, control — but the principle holds. Fix your gaze on the living God, and your soul comes alive.

Literary Style

Hymnic praise psalm composed as a liturgical anthology, weaving phrases from Psalms 115, 134, and 136 alongside Deuteronomy and Jeremiah. Features imperative calls to worship, historical recital, satirical anti-idol polemic, and concentric structure framed by 'Praise ye the LORD' (Hallelujah).