Analysis of Psalms Chapter 135
Verses 1-2: “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!” These opening verses act as a call to worship. The psalmist explicitly invites the “servants of the Lord” (likely referring to the priests and Levites who minister in the temple) to join in praise. They are called upon to praise in the very courts where they serve, signifying that worship is not just an obligation but a privilege deeply intertwined with their service. The repeated use of “Praise the Lord” sets a tone of joyous exaltation. The specificity of “Praise the name of the Lord” underscores the reverence owed to God’s character and essence, not just His deeds. To ‘stand in the house of the Lord’ implies a continuous state of readiness and dedication to worship, symbolizing an intimate closeness with the divine presence. Verses 3-4: “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant! For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession.” The psalmist provides justifications for this praise by highlighting God’s inherent goodness and the pleasantness of His name. The goodness of the Lord is a foundational attribute often emphasized throughout scripture, signifying His moral excellence, kindness, and benevolence. The reference to Jacob and Israel is significant because it recalls God’s election of the nation of Israel as a special possession. This divine choice reflects God’s unmerited grace and covenantal love. For the Israelites, this was their identity and hope; being chosen by God was their greatest privilege and honor. Verses 5-7: “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. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.” Here, the psalmist affirms God’s unparalleled supremacy over all other entities that might be considered deities. This was particularly relevant in a context where neighboring nations worshipped multiple gods. By declaring that “our Lord is above all gods,” the psalmist underscores monotheism and the incomparable nature of the Lord. The verses emphasize God’s omnipotence and sovereign will—His actions encompass all realms of existence: heaven, earth, seas, and deeps. This comprehensive scope reveals that there is no aspect of creation outside His control. Nature obeys His commands, from the clouds and rain to the wind, demonstrating His active involvement and mastery over the natural world. Verses 8-12: “He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast; who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants; who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings, Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.” The psalmist recounts God’s mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, focusing particularly on the Exodus and subsequent conquest of Canaan. The striking down of Egypt’s firstborn is a reference to the pivotal final plague that compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites (Exodus 12:29-32). This event is a profound demonstration of God’s power and judgment. The mention of signs and wonders highlights God’s supernatural interventions on behalf of His people, showcasing His capability to bend natural laws for the sake of deliverance. The conquests of Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:21-35) and the inheritance of Canaan (Joshua 12-24) are further evidence of God’s fulfillment of His promises. These historical acts of God are not just ancient stories but serve a dual purpose. They remind Israel of God’s faithfulness and encourage trust in His future promises. By chronicling these events, the psalmist reinforces the memory of divine fidelity in the collective consciousness of Israel. Verses 13-14: “Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages. For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.” The psalmist shifts focus to the eternality of God’s name and His enduring renown. By stating that God’s name and fame endure forever, the psalmist emphasizes the immutable and timeless aspects of God’s character. This provides a foundation for Israel’s enduring hope and security. The promise of vindication and compassion is particularly comforting. In a world where justice often seems delayed, the assurance that God will ultimately vindicate His people reaffirms His role as an unchanging and righteous judge. God’s compassion is a critical element of His covenant love, providing solace during times of suffering and oppression. Verses 15-18: “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them.” The psalmist condemns idolatry with striking imagery and poignant sarcasm. Idols, made of silver and gold, are mere artifacts crafted by human hands. Despite having features that mimic living beings—mouths, eyes, and ears—they lack the essential qualities of life and sentience, rendering them utterly impotent. The critique extends to the idolaters themselves. By putting their trust in lifeless statues, they become spiritually desensitized and morally stagnant. The psalmist warns that those who worship false gods will share in their deadness, experiencing a form of spiritual decay and impotence. Verses 19-21: “O house of Israel, bless the Lord! O house of Aaron, bless the Lord! O house of Levi, bless the Lord! You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord! Blessed be the Lord from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the Lord!” The chapter concludes with an inclusive and communal call to praise. The psalmist addresses various groups within the Israelite community: the general populace (house of Israel), the priests (house of Aaron), and the Levites (house of Levi). Each group is exhorted to bless the Lord, signifying that worship is a collective and communal duty. The final address is to those who “fear the Lord,” a term often used to describe pious individuals who live in reverent awe of God. This phrase widens the invitation to all who respect and honor the divine, not limited to any specific lineage or role. The declaration, “Blessed be the Lord from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem!” situates God’s praise within the historical and geographical context of Jerusalem, the spiritual center of Israelite worship where the temple stood. The concluding “Praise the Lord!” serves as a final, emphatic call to worship. Psalms Chapter 135 is a profound tapestry that combines calls to worship, historical reminiscences, declarations of God’s sovereignty, condemnations of idolatry, and promises of divine justice and compassion. It serves not only as a liturgical hymn but also as a theological treatise, reinforcing foundational aspects of Israel’s faith. 1. Sovereignty and Omnipotence 2. Covenantal Faithfulness 3. Contrast Between God and Idols 4. Communal Worship 5. Hope and Vindication Psalms Chapter 135 thus stands as a timeless exhortation to recognize the greatness of the Lord, to remember His deeds, and to participate in the joyful and reverent worship of His holy name.Verses 1-2: Invitation to Praise
Verses 3-4: Reasons for Praise
Verses 5-7: The Sovereignty of God
Verses 8-12: Historical Acts of Deliverance
Verses 13-14: The Eternal Justice of God
Verses 15-18: The Futility of Idolatry
Verses 19-21: A Concluding Call to Praise
Conclusion: Themes of Psalms Chapter 135