Psalm 135:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

NIV: I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.

NASB: For I know that the Lord is great And that our Lord is above all gods.

CSB: For I know that the Lord is great; our Lord is greater than all gods.

NLT: I know the greatness of the Lord — that our Lord is greater than any other god.

KJV: For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

NKJV: For I know that the Lord is great, And our Lord is above all gods.

Psalm 135:5–7 lifts up God as the Creator. He has perfect sovereignty: His will cannot be countered. The Lord is the One who created the universe (Genesis 1:1) and sustains everything which exists (Colossians 1:17). One of the most prominent aspects of His creation is weather.

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 4/16/2025 4:23:41 PM