Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise that celebrates God’s greatness and His sovereign rule over creation. It calls on the people of Israel to give glory to the Lord for His mighty deeds, both in nature and in history. The psalm can be divided into several key sections that highlight different aspects of God’s majesty and His unique role as the one true God.

1. A Call to Praise (Verses 1-3)

The psalm begins with a clear call to worship. It invites the servants of the Lord, specifically those who minister in the house of the Lord, to praise His name. This opening emphasizes the joy and importance of worshiping God and sets the tone for the rest of the psalm.

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! Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant! (Psalm 135:1-3, ESV)

2. God’s Sovereignty Over Creation (Verses 5-7)

The psalmist emphasizes that God is supreme over all the earth and heavens. His power extends over nature, from the formation of clouds to the lightning and the release of rain. These verses affirm that God is in control of the world He created and actively participates in it.

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. (Psalm 135:5-7, ESV)

3. God’s Faithfulness in Deliverance (Verses 8-12)

These verses recount God’s intervention in history, specifically recalling the Exodus from Egypt. The psalmist praises God for striking down Egypt’s firstborn and delivering His people from oppression. It then references the conquest of the Promised Land, where God gave His people victory over great kings, showing His faithfulness to Israel throughout generations.

He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast; he sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. He 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. (Psalm 135:8-12, ESV)

4. God’s Eternal Nature and Judgment (Verses 13-14)

The psalmist declares that God’s name and renown will endure forever. His care for His people is enduring, and He will vindicate them. These verses underscore God’s timeless nature and His commitment to justice.

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. (Psalm 135:13-14, ESV)

5. Condemnation of Idolatry (Verses 15-18)

The psalm sharply contrasts God with the idols of the nations. It mocks the futility of idol worship, describing idols as lifeless creations of silver and gold, made by human hands. The psalmist points out that idols cannot see, hear, or speak, and those who trust in them become just as lifeless.

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. (Psalm 135:15-18, ESV)

6. A Final Call to Praise (Verses 19-21)

The psalm concludes with another call to praise, this time directed to the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, and the house of Levi—representing the entire people of God. It is an invitation for all who fear the Lord to bless His holy name.

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! (Psalm 135:19-21, ESV)

Conclusion

Psalm 135 is a rich and vibrant call to worship, centered on the incomparable greatness of God. It highlights His sovereignty over creation, His faithfulness in delivering Israel, His eternal nature, and the emptiness of idol worship. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder to trust in the living God and to give Him the praise and honor He alone deserves.

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