Psalms 135
Psalm 135 begins with praise (verses 1-3) and recalls God’s greatness—whom He chose—and the works He has done throughout history (verses 4-12). It then highlights the helplessness of idols in contrast to God (verses 15-18), and finally once again urges the people to praise God, ending there (verses 19-21). In this way, Psalm 135 has a structure that clearly shows God’s power, faithfulness, the history of salvation, and the object of true worship.
1versePraise the LORD! Praise the LORD’s name! Praise him, you servants of the LORD,
2verseyou who stand in the LORD’s house, in the courts of our God’s house.
3versePraise the LORD, for the LORD is good. Sing praises to his name, for that is pleasant.
4verseFor the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel for his own possession.
5verseFor I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is above all gods.
6verseWhatever the LORD pleased, that he has done, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
7verseHe causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightnings with the rain. He brings the wind out of his treasuries.
8verseHe struck the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and animal.
9verseHe sent signs and wonders into the middle of you, Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his servants.
10verseHe struck many nations, and killed mighty kings—
11verseSihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan—
12verseand gave their land for a heritage, a heritage to Israel, his people.
13verseYour name, LORD, endures forever; your renown, LORD, throughout all generations.
14verseFor the LORD will judge his people and have compassion on his servants.
15verseThe idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
16verseThey have mouths, but they can’t speak. They have eyes, but they can’t see.
17verseThey have ears, but they can’t hear, neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18verseThose who make them will be like them, yes, everyone who trusts in them.
19verseHouse of Israel, praise the LORD! House of Aaron, praise the LORD!
20verseHouse of Levi, praise the LORD! You who fear the LORD, praise the LORD!
21verseBlessed be the LORD from Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!
Key Content and Overall Message
1. Praising God (verses 1-3) : The psalmist urges the servants of the LORD to praise God. This is an invitation not only for those who serve in the house of worship, but also for all the people of Israel.
2. God’s Choosing and His Work in History (verses 4-12) : It reminds us that God chose Israel in a special way and led their history through great miracles (defeating the enemies of Egypt and Canaan).
3. Comparing the LORD and Idols (verses 15-18) : It emphasizes the worthlessness of idols made by human hands, and proclaims that only God is the living true God.
4. Concluding Praise (verses 19-21) : Once again, it calls for praise among Israel, the house of Aaron, the house of Levi, and those who fear the LORD, confessing that glory belongs to God alone.
Points to Ponder
- Let us think again that the object of our worship and praise is only God Himself.
- We ask ourselves how well we remember the grace and works God has shown in our lives.
- We check our own hearts to see whether other values or things to rely on in the world have somehow turned into idols.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Make an effort to express your heart of praise and gratitude toward God frequently in your everyday life.
- Remember specifically the great and small graces God has done in my life, and offer prayers of thanksgiving.
- Take a look to see whether the things I rely on are somehow ahead of God, and commit to building again the center of true worship and faith.
