Psalms 135 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 135 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

The "house of the LORD" is the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1) and later the temple (1 Kings 6:1) where the ark was kept (Exodus 25:22). The servants there are from the tribe of Levi (Numbers 1:50; Leviticus 8:35). The psalmist calls on these temple workers to worship the Lord God. A primary reason for this praise is that God chose the nation of Israel—descendants of Jacob (Genesis 32:28)—to be His people (Psalm 135:1–4).

Unlike false gods, the Lord is the only Creator (Genesis 1:1). His power is seen in nature such as the various forms of weather. Every part of creation is subject to His sovereignty: the Lord's unstoppable authority and power (Psalm 135:5–7).

God's supremacy is also shown in Israel's victories over earthly kings and nations. God freed Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3:20). This included the death of Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 12:29–30). Because of the Lord's power (Deuteronomy 8:17–18), Israel was able to enter into Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:1–2) to take the land and deliver God's judgment on evil (Deuteronomy 9:4–5). These are worthy reasons to praise Him (Psalm 135:8–12).

The Lord is also greater than any other being, real or imaginary. His reputation will last forever because of what He does for His chosen people (Psalm 78:2–4). Manmade idols are just objects. Unlike the living God (Joshua 3:10), idols cannot move, speak, or act. Trusting in them is foolish (Psalm 115:4–8). Those who worship their own creations will eventually be just as lifeless as those objects (Psalm 135:13–18).

All of Israel should celebrate the Lord with praise. Israel was the name given to Jacob (Genesis 32:28) who became the father of Israel's twelve tribes, including Levi (Genesis 35:23–26). Priests come from the line of Aaron (Exodus 40:13–15) who was of the tribe of Levi (Numbers 26:59). Zion and Jerusalem are names for the same place: the center of Israel's government and spiritual life (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). Worship is an expression of proper "fear" of God (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 112:1) that recognizes Him as Lord and responds accordingly (Psalm 135:19–21).

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).

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.

Psalm 135:8–12 indicates that the Lord is greater than any nation or king. God demonstrated this during the exodus (Exodus 3:20; 12:29–30). He provided Israel with victory against pagan kings (Deuteronomy 29:7). This was accomplished by His power, and not Israel's own (Deuteronomy 8:17–18). This empowerment was key to Israel's conquest of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:1–2), a judgment brought on by Canaanite sin (Deuteronomy 9:4–5).

Psalm 135:13–18 compares God's power to that of idols and false gods. "The nations" are those outside of Israel. Their carved images and statues are mere objects. They have no actual life—and those who worship idols will be eternally lifeless, as well. Only the Lord is remembered forever thanks to His great love for His people (Psalm 78:2–4). Psalm 115:4–8 makes similar comments.

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.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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 12/18/2024 10:17:23 AM