Psalm 135 -

Psalm 135 is a vibrant hymn of praise, calling believers to worship the Lord for His unmatched greatness, sovereignty, and enduring love. This psalm, deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, weaves together themes of God’s power, His chosen people, and the futility of idol worship. Below is an in-depth exploration of Psalm 135, its historical context, theological significance, and practical applications for modern worshippers, designed to provide a thorough understanding of this sacred text.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Context of Psalm 135

Psalm 135 is one of the Hallelujah psalms, beginning and ending with the exhortation to “Praise the LORD” (Hallelujah in Hebrew). Likely composed for liturgical use in the temple, it calls upon priests, Levites, and all of Israel to worship God. The psalm weaves together passages from Psalms 113–115, Deuteronomy, Exodus, and Jeremiah, celebrating God’s mighty acts. Its structure suggests use in major Jewish festivals like Passover or the Feast of Tabernacles for communal worship and reflection on God’s deliverance.

The psalm’s authorship is unknown, but its poetic style and reliance on earlier scriptures indicate a post-exilic setting, possibly during the Second Temple period. This era, marked by Israel’s return from Babylonian captivity, emphasized God’s covenant faithfulness and His superiority over foreign gods. By exploring Psalm 135, readers can uncover its rich theological insights and timeless call to worship.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown of Psalm 135

Verses 1–4: A Call to Praise God’s Name

The psalm opens with a resounding call to praise: “Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD; praise Him, you servants of the LORD” (Psalm 135:1). This invitation is for the priests and Levites serving in the temple and the wider community of Israel. “Servants of the LORD” mainly refers to the Levitical priests but also includes all who honor God. The call to praise is rooted in God’s goodness and His election of Israel as His “treasured possession” (v. 4), echoing Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 7:6. This divine choice underscores God’s covenant relationship with His people, setting the tone for the psalm’s celebration of His character.

The emphasis on praising God’s “name” reflects the Hebrew understanding of a name as embodying one’s essence. By praising God’s name, worshippers honor His holiness, power, and faithfulness. The psalmist invites believers to worship not out of obligation but because it is “pleasant” (v. 3), suggesting that praising God brings joy and fulfillment.

Verses 5–7: God’s Sovereignty Over Creation

Psalm 135:5–7 declares God’s supremacy over all creation: “I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods” (v. 5). This affirmation sets God apart from the idols of surrounding nations, emphasizing His unrivaled authority. Verse 6 declares God’s absolute sovereignty: “The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” Verse 7 reinforces this by showing His control over clouds, lightning, rain, and wind, echoing Jeremiah 10:13.

The imagery of God bringing “wind out of His storehouses” (v. 7) evokes the ancient Near Eastern concept of divine storehouses, symbolizing God’s command over the elements. Unlike pagan gods, whose power was limited to specific domains, the God of Israel reigns over all creation, from the heavens to the depths of the sea. This section invites worshippers to marvel at God’s omnipotence and trust in His ability to govern the universe.

Verses 8–12: God’s Mighty Acts in History

The psalmist recounts God’s historical acts of deliverance, focusing on His judgment against Egypt and the conquest of Canaan. Verses 8–9 recall the plagues, especially Egypt’s firstborn (Ex. 12:29–30), showing God’s power. Verses 10–12 note Israel’s victories over Sihon, Og (Num. 21), and the conquest of Canaan, fulfilling His promise of the land (Deut. 7:1–2). These events demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His covenant and His ability to overcome any opposition.

By referencing these historical victories, the psalmist encourages Israel to trust in God’s continued protection and provision. The victories over Sihon and Og, two formidable kings, serve as reminders that no earthly power can thwart God’s purposes. This section bridges the gap between God’s past faithfulness and His ongoing commitment to His people.

Verses 13–14: God’s Eternal Name and Compassion

“Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, through all generations” (v. 13). This declaration emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s glory and His unchanging character. Verse 14, echoed in Hebrews 10:30, assures believers that “the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants.” This promise of divine compassion and justice resonates with Deuteronomy 32:36, reinforcing God’s commitment to defend and redeem His chosen people.

The enduring nature of God’s name contrasts sharply with the fleeting power of earthly kingdoms and idols. His renown spans generations, offering hope to worshippers that God’s faithfulness remains steadfast across time. This section invites reflection on God’s unchanging love and His promise to uphold justice for His people.

Verses 15–18: The Futility of Idols

In a powerful critique, Psalm 135:15–18 contrasts the living God with lifeless idols: “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands” (v. 15). These verses, closely aligned with Psalm 115:4–8, describe idols as having mouths that cannot speak, eyes that cannot see, ears that cannot hear, and no breath in their mouths. Those who worship them “become like them” (v. 18), spiritually lifeless and disconnected from the true source of life.

This polemic against idolatry was particularly relevant in the ancient Near East, where neighboring nations worshipped crafted images. The psalmist underscores the absurdity of trusting in inanimate objects, urging worshippers to place their faith in the living God who sees, hears, and acts on behalf of His people. This section challenges modern readers to identify and reject contemporary “idols” that compete for their devotion.

Verses 19–21: A Final Call to Praise

The psalm concludes with a renewed call to worship: “Praise the LORD, O house of Israel; praise the LORD, O house of Aaron; praise the LORD, O house of Levi; you who fear the LORD, praise the LORD” (vv. 19–20). This inclusive invitation encompasses all of Israel, from the priests (house of Aaron) and Levites to those who fear God, including Gentiles who revere Him. The final verse, “Praise be to the LORD from Zion, to Him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!” (v. 21), anchors the psalm in the context of temple worship, with Zion and Jerusalem symbolizing God’s presence among His people.

This closing exhortation reinforces the psalm’s central theme: worship is the natural response to God’s greatness, faithfulness, and love. By calling all people to praise, the psalmist emphasizes the universal scope of God’s glory and the communal nature of worship.

Theological Themes in Psalm 135

God’s Sovereignty and Power

Psalm 135 celebrates God’s absolute authority over creation, history, and all false gods. His ability to control nature and defeat mighty kings demonstrates His unmatched power, encouraging believers to trust in His providence.

The Covenant Relationship

The psalm highlights God’s special relationship with Israel, His “treasured possession” (v. 4). This covenant bond, rooted in God’s choice of Jacob, underscores His faithfulness and love, which extend to all who fear Him.

The Folly of Idolatry

By contrasting the living God with lifeless idols, Psalm 135 exposes the emptiness of trusting in human-made objects. This theme challenges believers to examine their priorities and worship only the true God.

The Joy of Worship

The repeated calls to praise reflect the joy and privilege of worshipping God. The psalmist describes praise as “pleasant” (v. 3), suggesting that worship not only honors God but also enriches the worshipper’s life.

Practical Applications for Today

Psalm 135 offers timeless lessons for modern believers:

Cultivate a Heart of Worship: The psalm’s repeated calls to praise encourage daily worship through prayer, song, and reflection on God’s goodness.
Trust in God’s Sovereignty: In uncertain times, the psalm reminds believers that God reigns over all creation and history, offering peace and confidence.
Reject Modern Idols: Just as the psalmist condemned idolatry, Christians are called to identify and abandon anything—wealth, status, or technology—that competes with God’s place in their lives.
Celebrate Community Worship: The inclusive call to praise underscores the importance of worshipping together, whether in church, small groups, or family settings.

Conclusion: Why Psalm 135 Matters Today

Psalm 135 is a powerful reminder of God’s greatness, faithfulness, and love. Its call to praise invites believers to reflect on God’s mighty acts in creation and history, reject the futility of idols, and embrace the joy of worship. By meditating on this psalm, modern readers can deepen their faith, trust in God’s sovereignty, and join the chorus of worshippers across generations who proclaim, “Praise the LORD!”