Skip to main content

Psalm 135 – A Detailed Explanation

 


Psalm 135 – A Detailed Explanation

Introduction

Psalm 135 is a powerful hymn of praise that exalts the Lord for His greatness, His enduring name, and His mighty acts in history. The psalm is rich in theological depth and historical reflection, drawing heavily from Israel’s collective memory of God’s deliverance, sovereignty, and justice. It serves as a call to worship not only for the Levitical priests and people of Israel but for all who know the Lord.

The structure, themes, and literary techniques in Psalm 135 suggest that it was composed for liturgical use in the temple, encouraging public worship that remembers God's faithfulness and warns against idolatry. The psalm also resonates with earlier scriptures, particularly the Pentateuch and historical narratives, and it shares close parallels with Psalm 115.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 135 is an anonymous composition and is part of Book V of the Psalms (Psalms 107–150). While the psalm does not include a superscription indicating its author or occasion, its content suggests it was likely written after the Babylonian exile, during a time when the temple worship had been restored or was being looked forward to with hope.

The psalm draws heavily from other parts of Scripture:

  • Exodus (plagues, deliverance from Egypt)

  • Deuteronomy (land inheritance)

  • Jeremiah and Isaiah (polemic against idols)

  • Psalm 115 (almost identical in its depiction of idols)

Its intertextual nature suggests that Psalm 135 is not just a spontaneous song of praise but a thoughtful theological reflection meant to anchor the worship of Israel in the mighty deeds of God.

Structure and Themes

Psalm 135 can be divided into six sections:

  1. Call to Praise (vv. 1–2)

  2. Reasons for Praise – God’s Goodness and Election (vv. 3–4)

  3. God’s Power Over Creation (vv. 5–7)

  4. God’s Historical Acts of Salvation (vv. 8–12)

  5. God’s Eternal Name and Justice (vv. 13–14)

  6. The Folly of Idolatry and Final Call to Praise (vv. 15–21)

Key Themes:

  • Sovereignty of God: God's control over nature and history.

  • Covenant Faithfulness: God’s relationship with Israel.

  • The Futility of Idolatry: A contrast between the living God and lifeless idols.

  • Corporate Worship: Calls to various groups to praise God.

Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Verses 1–2: Call to Worship

“Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; give praise, O servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God!”

The psalm opens with a triple repetition of the imperative “Praise,” emphasizing the importance and urgency of worship. The "servants of the Lord" likely refers to priests and Levites who served in the temple, yet it also includes all those who are faithful to God.

This echoes Psalm 134, suggesting a liturgical connection, possibly sung by temple servants during daily or festival worship.

Verse 3: Praise for God’s Goodness and Name

“Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant!”

Here we are given a theological reason to praise: God's goodness and the pleasantness of His name, which denotes His character. God's name is not merely a label but a revelation of who He is—His mercy, justice, faithfulness, and love.

This links with Exodus 34:5–7, where God reveals His name to Moses.

Verse 4: God’s Electing Love

“For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession.”

Israel’s election is highlighted here. God’s choice of Jacob (Israel) is an act of sovereign grace, not based on merit but divine love and purpose (cf. Deuteronomy 7:6–8). The language of "own possession" echoes the covenant formula: "I will be your God, and you will be my people."

Verses 5–7: God’s Sovereign Power in Creation

“For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.”

This is a personal testimony (“I know”), affirming the greatness and sovereignty of God over all realms. The phrase “above all gods” is not an admission of the reality of other gods but a declaration of God’s supreme authority over all so-called deities.

Verse 7 describes God’s control over natural phenomena—clouds, lightning, rain, and wind—showing that creation obeys His command (cf. Job 38–41, Jeremiah 10:13).

Verses 8–12: God's Acts in History

“He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt... and gave their land as a heritage...”

These verses recount the Exodus and conquest—key events in Israel’s identity and relationship with God. The plagues in Egypt, especially the death of the firstborn, demonstrate God’s justice and power over Pharaoh.

Mentioning Sihon and Og, kings defeated on the way to the Promised Land, shows that God not only delivers but also provides and secures blessings for His people.

This retelling reinforces communal memory—Israel is called to remember what God has done.

Verses 13–14: God’s Eternal Name and Justice

“Your name, O Lord, endures forever... For the Lord will vindicate his people...”

God’s name and fame are eternal, in contrast with the fleeting fame of human rulers and the lifelessness of idols. This is also a statement of hope—even if Israel is suffering, God will vindicate and have compassion on His people.

These verses would have deeply encouraged post-exilic Israel, reminding them that God’s purposes would not fail.

Verses 15–18: The Vanity of Idols

“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands.”

This section closely mirrors Psalm 115:4–8 and is a direct polemic against idolatry. The idols are described as having mouths but not speaking, eyes but not seeing—objects of worship that are utterly powerless.

The most striking line: “Those who make them become like them...” highlights a spiritual principle—we become like what we worship. Worshiping lifeless idols leads to spiritual deadness. In contrast, worshiping the living God brings transformation and life.

Verses 19–21: Final Call to Praise

“O house of Israel, bless the Lord! O house of Aaron... O house of Levi... You who fear the Lord...”

This final section is a comprehensive call to worship:

  • Israel (the people),

  • Aaron (the priesthood),

  • Levi (the Levitical order),

  • and all who fear the Lord (possibly Gentile converts or God-fearing worshipers).

The psalm ends where it began—with Zion and the praise of the Lord. God’s presence in Jerusalem is both a geographical and theological focal point.

Theological Reflections

1. Worship Rooted in History

Psalm 135 emphasizes that true worship is grounded in remembering what God has done. Unlike pagan religions based on mythology, Israel’s worship is based on historical acts—the Exodus, conquest, and covenant.

2. God’s Sovereignty

The psalmist affirms that God does whatever He pleases, in all realms of creation. This isn’t capricious rule but righteous sovereignty—God uses His power to redeem, protect, and provide.

3. Election and Grace

Verse 4 is a powerful reminder that Israel’s identity is based on God’s choosing, not their achievement. It reminds readers of the grace at the heart of covenantal relationship.

4. Contrast with Idolatry

The psalm’s central polemic is against idols, not merely as false images, but as objects that deaden the soul. Idolatry is shown not just as false religion, but as a dangerous exchange—trading the glory of God for emptiness.

5. Universal Call to Worship

The inclusion of "all who fear the Lord" shows that worship is for all, not just priests or Israelites. God’s glory is to be proclaimed to the nations.

Practical Applications

1. Praise as a Daily Habit

The opening and closing verses remind believers to start and end with praise. This psalm is a model for personal and corporate worship.

2. Remembering God's Deeds

Just as Israel remembered Egypt and the wilderness, modern believers are called to remember the cross, the resurrection, and God’s faithfulness in their lives.

3. Rejecting Modern Idols

Though we may not bow to statues, modern idols include success, money, technology, fame, and self. Psalm 135 invites us to examine our hearts: What are we becoming like?

4. Encouragement in Trials

Verses 13–14 are a balm for the suffering. Even when we don’t see immediate justice, God’s name endures forever, and He will vindicate His people.

Conclusion

Psalm 135 is a majestic song of praise that connects worship with remembrance, theology with history, and joy with reverence. Its verses echo with the truths of God’s goodness, power, and faithfulness. The psalm calls us to bless the Lord, not only for who He is, but for all He has done—and continues to do.

In a world full of distractions and false gods, Psalm 135 lifts our eyes to the One true God, whose name is pleasant, whose acts are mighty, and whose love endures forever.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Palm Sunday Sermon: A Detailed Explanation and Reflection

  Palm Sunday Sermon: A Detailed Explanation and Reflection Introduction Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week , the final week of Lent and the lead-up to Easter Sunday . It commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem , an event recorded in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This moment sets the tone for the Passion of Christ, a journey that moves from jubilant celebration to suffering and ultimately, resurrection. The term “Palm Sunday” comes from the palm branches that the crowd laid in Jesus’ path—a traditional symbol of victory and kingship . This day is both festive and paradoxical: it is full of joy but foreshadows the suffering that lies ahead. 1. Biblical Account of Palm Sunday 1.1 The Gospel Narratives The story of Palm Sunday is found in: Matthew 21:1-11 Mark 11:1-11 Luke 19:28-44 John 12:12-19 Each Gospel writer offers a slightly different emphasis, but the core narrative remains the same. 1.2 Key Elements of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Psalm 16 – A Deep Dive and Detailed Explanation

  Psalm 16 – A Deep Dive and Detailed Explanation Introduction to Psalm 16 Psalm 16 is a profound expression of trust, joy, and hope in God. It’s attributed to David , and the superscription calls it a “ Miktam ,” a term which could mean “golden” or “engraved,” possibly suggesting something precious or worthy of remembering. This psalm is both devotional and prophetic , containing powerful reflections on life, death, and the eternal security found in God. It is beloved by many for its serene confidence and is cited in the New Testament as a prophetic reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ . Let’s walk through this psalm verse-by-verse, exploring its theological richness and practical applications. Verse 1: “Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.” David begins with a plea for preservation—protection and safeguarding of his life. This isn’t just about physical safety, but spiritual well-being. The tone is both humble and confident. He does not appeal to his own...
Post a Comment
Read more

Good Friday in the Christian Bible – A Detailed Explanation and Reflection

  . Good Friday in the Christian Bible – A Detailed Explanation and Reflection Introduction Good Friday stands as one of the most solemn and significant days in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary, an event that lies at the heart of the Christian faith. While the name “Good Friday” may seem paradoxical—marking a day of suffering, injustice, and death—the "good" in Good Friday comes from the profound theological belief that Christ's sacrifice was ultimately for the good of humanity, bringing salvation and reconciliation between God and mankind. This detailed explanation and reflection will explore the scriptural foundations of Good Friday, its theological significance, and its enduring spiritual meaning for Christians today. Through biblical references, theological insight, and contemplative reflection, we will consider how Good Friday speaks to the deepest aspects of human brokenness and divine love. I. The Bib...
Post a Comment
Read more