What does Psalm 135:19 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 135; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 135:19–21 poetically calls on the entire nation to worship God. Israel was the new name given to Jacob (Genesis 32:28), patriarch of the twelve tribes. One of those tribes was Levi (Genesis 35:23–26). Levites were charged with care of the tabernacle and temple (Numbers 1:50). Within the Levites, Aaron's line (Numbers 26:59) were priests (Exodus 40:13–15). Those who "fear" God revere and praise Him appropriately (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 112:1). Jerusalem is also called Zion (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1) and was the center of Israel's political and spiritual life.
This psalm declares God's greatness with a series of comparisons. The psalmist calls on the temple workers to praise the Lord. He is superior to all idols or false gods. His sovereignty is absolute. He is more powerful than any human king or nation. His fame will never end. Manmade idols are lifeless objects, and those who worship them will become lifeless, as well. All those who honor the Lord should bring their praise.
