Psalm 135:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession.

NIV: For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession.

NASB: For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His own possession.

CSB: For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his treasured possession.

NLT: For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel for his own special treasure.

KJV: For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

NKJV: For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure.

Psalm 135:1–4 instructs the Levites who served in the temple (Numbers 1:50; Leviticus 8:35). This structure was the center of Israelite worship and was called the "house of the LORD" (1 Kings 6:1). Twice, this passage uses the Hebrew phrase halelu-yāh, literally meaning "praise the LORD!" It also notes how God chose the descendants of Jacob as His people (Genesis 32:28).

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.

This song mentions God's creation (Genesis 1:1) and His role in defeating Israel's enemies during the exodus (Exodus 12:29–30; Deuteronomy 29:7). Scripture often points out that objects such as idols have no power, at all (1 Chronicles 16:26; 1 Corinthians 8:4; 12:2). Jerusalem and Zion are often used as different names for the same city (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). Psalm 135 includes three uses of the renowned term halelu-yāh. Parts of this psalm resemble segments of Psalm 115.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 3/28/2025 5:53:53 AM