# Overview Psalm 135 is a call to praise the #LORD, emphasizing His sovereignty and the reasons He is worthy of worship. The chapter begins with a summons to praise the name of the #LORD, especially directed to the servants of the LORD who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our #God. The #psalmist reminds us of the goodness of the LORD and encourages singing praises to His name because He has chosen #Jacob for Himself and #Israel for His treasured possession. The psalm then exalts the LORD's greatness, declaring that He does whatever pleases Him in the heavens, on the earth, in the seas, and all their depths. This affirms His unmatched power and authority over all creation, further demonstrating why He is deserving of praise. The latter part of the psalm recounts the mighty acts of the LORD in history as evidence of His power and faithfulness. It refers to the miraculous deliverance of #Israel from #Egypt, detailing the signs and wonders performed against #Pharaoh and the Egyptian people. The psalm celebrates the victories over kings and nations, such as #Sihon, king of the Amorites, and #Og, king of Bashan, highlighting how the LORD gave their lands as an inheritance to His people, Israel. The psalm concludes with a contrast between the living God and the lifeless idols of the nations, which are made by human hands and have no power. The psalmist calls on the house of Israel, the house of #Aaron, and the house of #Levi, as well as those who fear the LORD, to bless the LORD, affirming His eternal reign from #Zion. This chapter is a profound reminder of the LORD's enduring faithfulness and the rightful response of worship from His people. ## Theological Insights Psalm 135 is a profound expression of praise and worship, emphasizing the sovereignty and greatness of #God. It calls the servants of the Lord to praise Him, highlighting several theological themes central to the #OldTestament understanding of God and His relationship with His people. ### The Sovereignty of God The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord, acknowledging His goodness and the centrality of His name, which is praiseworthy and everlasting. This establishes the foundational truth that God is sovereign and deserving of worship. The psalmist calls upon the "servants of the Lord" to praise Him, indicating that worship is not just an act but a duty and privilege of those who serve God. ### God's Choice of Israel Psalm 135:4 states, "For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His treasured possession." This highlights the doctrine of divine election, where #Israel is depicted as God's chosen people, reflecting the covenantal relationship established in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]] and reaffirmed throughout the scriptures. This choice is based on God's sovereign will and purpose, not on Israel's merit. ### God's Creation and Authority Verses 5-7 declare God's greatness and His power over creation. The psalmist affirms that whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. This reflects the biblical theme of God's omnipotence and His active role in the ongoing maintenance of the universe, as echoed in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1]] and throughout the #Psalms. ### Deliverance and Judgment The psalm recounts God's mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, particularly the liberation from #Egyptian bondage (Psalm 135:8-9). This aligns with the narrative of the Exodus in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]], where God's power is displayed through plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. These acts of deliverance are juxtaposed with God's judgments upon the nations, demonstrating His justice and righteousness. ### The Futility of Idolatry Verses 15-18 contrast the living God with lifeless idols made by human hands, which cannot see, hear, or speak. This echoes similar themes found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 44]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 10]], where the futility and impotence of idols are exposed. The psalmist warns that those who make and trust in idols will become like them, spiritually deaf and blind. ### Call to Bless the Lord The psalm concludes with a call to the house of Israel, the house of #Aaron, and the house of #Levi to bless the Lord. This inclusive call extends the invitation to all who fear the Lord, emphasizing that worship is communal and inclusive, embracing all who revere God. ### Eternal Praise Finally, the psalm affirms the eternal nature of God's praise, as His name endures forever. This is a reminder that God's deeds and character are timeless, deserving of perpetual worship and adoration from all generations. This concept of eternal praise is also seen in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 5]], where heavenly beings continually worship the Lamb who was slain. Psalm 135, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the greatness of God, His sovereign choice of Israel, His mighty acts of creation and deliverance, and the call to worship Him alone, rejecting the futility of idolatry. It invites believers to join in the eternal chorus of praise, recognizing God's enduring faithfulness and majesty. ## Thematic Connections ### Praise for God's Sovereignty Psalm 135 opens and closes with a call to praise the #Lord, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. This theme resonates with other passages that highlight God's supreme authority, such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1|Genesis 1]], where God creates the world by His command, and [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 4|Revelation 4:11]], where the heavenly beings worship God for His creative power. The acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty invites believers to trust in His ultimate control over the universe and their lives. ### Deliverance and Redemption The psalm recounts God's deliverance of #Israel from #Egypt, a central theme throughout the #OldTestament narrative. This connection is seen in passages like [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14|Exodus 14]], where God parts the Red Sea, and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6|Deuteronomy 6]], which commands Israel to remember their deliverance as a foundational act of God’s faithfulness. The theme of deliverance in Psalm 135 suggests that believers today can find hope in God’s power to save and redeem. ### God's Judgment Against Idols A significant theme in this psalm is the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols. This reflects similar themes in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 44|Isaiah 44:9-20]], where the futility of idol worship is critiqued, and [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 18|1 Kings 18:20-40]], where Elijah demonstrates the impotence of Baal compared to the power of the true God. The psalm underscores the idea that only the God of Israel is worthy of worship, a reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to Him alone. ### God's Everlasting Name and Covenant The psalm praises God for His enduring name and faithfulness to His people, which is echoed in passages like [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3|Exodus 3:15]], where God reveals Himself as “I AM,” and [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 17|Genesis 17]], where He establishes His covenant with #Abraham. This theme reassures believers of the unchanging nature of God and His promises, encouraging them to rely on His eternal character and covenantal love. ### The Priestly Role of Worship The call for the house of #Levi and the house of #Aaron to bless the Lord highlights the priestly role in worship. This theme is connected to [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 18|Numbers 18]], which outlines the duties of the Levitical priests, and [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 7|Hebrews 7]], where [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] is depicted as the ultimate high priest. The inclusion of the priests in the psalm underscores the importance of dedicated worship leaders in guiding the people of God in praise and adoration. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Supremacy of God Over Idols Psalm 135 highlights the supremacy of the Lord over idols, which can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 44|Isaiah 44:9-20]] where the futility of idol worship is declared. The psalm emphasizes that idols are made by human hands and have no power, contrasting sharply with the living God who performs mighty works. This echoes God's continuous revelation through the prophets that He alone is God, affirming His sovereignty and the futility of idolatry, as seen throughout the #OldTestament. ### The Covenant with Israel The psalm celebrates the #covenant relationship between God and #Israel, reflecting the promises made to the patriarchs such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Abraham]], [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 26|Isaac]], and [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 28|Jacob]]. This connection is a fulfillment of God's covenant to make Israel His treasured possession, as seen in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 19|Exodus 19:5-6]]. The psalmist's praise for God's enduring faithfulness to Israel underscores the fulfillment of His promises to His chosen people. ### The Deliverance from Egypt Psalm 135 references the deliverance of Israel from #Egypt, a central theme in the prophetic literature that foretells God's redemptive acts, such as seen in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6|Deuteronomy 6:21-23]]. This deliverance is a recurring prophetic motif, symbolizing God's power and faithfulness to save His people. The exodus represents a foundational event through which God fulfills His promise to Abraham and his descendants, ensuring their freedom and journey to the Promised Land. ### The Defeat of Nations The psalm also mentions the defeat of mighty kings such as #Sihon and #Og, fulfilling God's promise to give Israel the land of these nations, as prophesied in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 7|Deuteronomy 7:1-2]]. God's victory over these kings is a testament to His sovereignty and His commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises, demonstrating His power and protection over Israel as prophesied throughout the Old Testament. ### The Eternal Name of the Lord Lastly, Psalm 135 concludes with an emphasis on the eternal name of the Lord, fulfilling the prophetic declarations found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 26|Isaiah 26:13]] and other passages that proclaim the everlasting renown and worship of God's name. This reflects the prophetic vision of God's eternal reign and the enduring legacy of His deeds, ensuring that His name will be praised from generation to generation, as seen in the prophetic literature. ## Verses - **Psalm 135:1** - "Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you who serve the Lord," - Notes: See also [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 113]] for the call to praise the Lord. - **Psalm 135:2** - "you who serve in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God." - Notes: Reference to temple service, see [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 9]]. - **Psalm 135:3** - "Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; celebrate his lovely name with music." - Notes: The goodness of the Lord is also highlighted in [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 100]]. - **Psalm 135:4** - "For the Lord has chosen #Jacob for himself, #Israel for his own special treasure." - Notes: God's choosing of Israel is reflected in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 7]]. - **Psalm 135:5** - "I know the greatness of the Lord— that our Lord is greater than any other god." - Notes: Compare with [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 15]] where God's greatness is celebrated. - **Psalm 135:6** - "The Lord does whatever pleases him throughout all heaven and earth, and on the seas and in their depths." - Notes: See [[Job/Job Chapter 42]] where the sovereignty of God is acknowledged. - **Psalm 135:7** - "He causes the clouds to rise over the whole earth. He sends the lightning with the rain and releases the wind from his storehouses." - Notes: Related to God's control over nature in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 10]]. - **Psalm 135:8** - "He destroyed the firstborn in each Egyptian home, both people and animals." - Notes: This is a reference to the events in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. - **Psalm 135:9** - "He performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt against Pharaoh and all his people." - Notes: For more on the plagues and signs, see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 7]]. - **Psalm 135:10** - "He struck down great nations and slaughtered mighty kings—" - Notes: Reflects God's victories as seen in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 10]]. - **Psalm 135:11** - "Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan." - Notes: See [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 21]] for the defeat of Sihon and Og. - **Psalm 135:12** - "He gave their land as an inheritance, a special possession to his people Israel." - Notes: Refer to the division of the land in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 13]]. - **Psalm 135:13** - "Your name, O Lord, endures forever; your fame, O Lord, is known to every generation." - Notes: God's eternal name is celebrated also in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]]. - **Psalm 135:14** - "For the Lord will give justice to his people and have compassion on his servants." - Notes: God's justice and compassion are themes in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 30]]. - **Psalm 135:15** - "The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands." - Notes: Critique of idolatry found also in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 44]]. - **Psalm 135:16** - "They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see." - Notes: Similarity to the description in [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 115]]. - **Psalm 135:17** - "They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell." - Notes: See [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 115]] for further parallel. - **Psalm 135:18** - "And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them." - Notes: The folly of idol worship similarly presented in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 44]]. - **Psalm 135:19** - "O Israel, praise the Lord! O priests—descendants of Aaron—praise the Lord!" - Notes: A call for Israel and the priests to praise God, akin to [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 118]]. - **Psalm 135:20** - "O Levites, praise the Lord! All you who fear the Lord, praise the Lord!" - Notes: The role of Levites also emphasized in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 23]]. - **Psalm 135:21** - "The Lord be praised from Zion, for he lives here in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!" - Notes: Zion as God's dwelling is a theme in [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 48]].