Psalms 135
BSB1 Hallelujah! Praise the name of the LORD. Give praise, O servants of the LORD, 2 who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Hallelujah, for the LORD is good; sing praises to His name, for it is lovely. 4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession. 5 For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods. 6 The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths. 7 He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. 8 He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both man and beast. 9 He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. 10 He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings: 11 Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan. 12 He gave their land as an inheritance, as a heritage to His people Israel. 13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, through all generations. 14 For the LORD will vindicate His people and will have compassion on His servants. 15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. 16 They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; 17 they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. 18 Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. 19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD; O house of Aaron, bless the LORD; 20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD; you who fear the LORD, bless the LORD! 21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion— He who dwells in Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
Study Notes — Psalms 135
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 135
- Themes from Psalms 135
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 135
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 135 begins with a call to praise the Lord, specifically addressing the Levites and those who stand in the house of the Lord (Psalms 135:1-2). It then contrasts the living God with the lifeless idols of the nations, noting the idols' inability to see, hear, or act (Psalms 135:15-18). The psalm recalls God's mighty acts in history, including the defeat of powerful kings and the gift of the land to Israel (Psalms 135:8-12). It concludes with a blessing on the people and a final call to praise, emphasizing the Lord's sovereignty over all (Psalms 135:19-21). Throughout, the chapter affirms the uniqueness and supremacy of the God of Israel, encouraging worship and trust in Him alone.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 135 is part of the Book of Psalms, a collection of songs, prayers, and poetry that express a wide range of human emotions and spiritual experiences. Within the book, Psalms 135 contributes to the larger narrative of God's relationship with Israel and the nations, emphasizing the uniqueness of the God of Israel and the call to exclusive worship. The chapter's themes and historical references suggest it may have been written during a period of Israel's history when the nation was reflecting on its past, possibly during the post-exilic period, and looking forward to a future of renewed faithfulness to the Lord.
Heart Application
This chapter invites believers to reflect on their own worship and trust, challenging them to ensure that their hearts and lives are fully devoted to the one true God. It reminds us of the importance of historical remembrance, recalling God's acts in our lives and in the history of our communities, to deepen our trust and obedience. By applying the truths of Psalms 135, believers can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence, gratitude, and commitment to worshiping and serving the Lord alone.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 135 is about worshiping the one true God and not idols. It reminds us that God is powerful and has done great things for His people. We should always remember what God has done and praise Him for who He is. As seen in Psalms 135:1-4, the call to praise God is based on His greatness and the historical acts He has performed, such as those mentioned in Psalms 135:8-12.
Voices from the Church
“The proper study of God's elect is to praise Him, and this study is so beneficial that it should be our occupation all the day long.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord is exalted when we acknowledge Him as the one true God, and when we trust in His power and wisdom alone.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Worship (Psalms 135:1-4) — The chapter begins with a call to praise the Lord, addressing the Levites and those in the house of the Lord, emphasizing the joy and obligation of worship.
- Contrast with Idols (Psalms 135:5-7, 15-18) — The living God is contrasted with lifeless idols, highlighting the foolishness of idolatry and the wisdom of worshiping the Lord alone.
- Historical Remembrance (Psalms 135:8-12) — The psalm recalls God's historical acts, such as defeating kings and giving land, to remind Israel of God's power and faithfulness.
- Call to Exclusive Worship (Psalms 135:13-14, 19-21) — The chapter concludes with a call to worship the Lord exclusively, emphasizing His sovereignty and eternal renown, and inviting all to join in the eternal song of praise.
- Conclusion and Blessing (Psalms 135:21) — The psalm ends with a blessing, underscoring the importance of worship and trust in the one true God.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- Psalms 135 teaches that God is the ruler of all nations and history, emphasizing His power and authority over everything. This doctrine is central to the chapter, as seen in Psalms 135:5-7 and Psalms 135:13.
- Exclusive Worship
- The chapter stresses the importance of worshiping the one true God alone, rejecting the worship of idols and emphasizing the Lord's uniqueness and supremacy. This is a key theme in Psalms 135:1-4 and Psalms 135:19-21.
- Historical Remembrance
- Remembering God's historical acts is crucial for deepening trust and obedience, as it reminds believers of God's faithfulness and power. Psalms 135:8-12 provides an example of this remembrance.
- Eternal Nature of God
- The psalm affirms God's eternal nature and renown, providing a solid basis for trust and worship. This is highlighted in Psalms 135:13, which states that God's name endures forever.
Lessons from Psalms 135
- The Importance of Worship — This chapter teaches that worship is not just a ritual but a lifestyle of recognizing and honoring God's greatness and sovereignty. As seen in Psalms 135:1-4, worship is a call to acknowledge God's power and majesty.
- Dangers of Idolatry — The foolishness of idolatry is highlighted, reminding us to examine our hearts for any form of idolatry and to worship the Lord alone, as emphasized in Psalms 135:5-7 and 15-18.
- Historical Remembrance and Faith — Remembering God's historical acts strengthens our faith and trust in His power and faithfulness, as illustrated in Psalms 135:8-12.
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter affirms God's sovereignty over all nations and history, encouraging believers to trust in His power and wisdom, as seen in Psalms 135:5-7 and Psalms 135:13.
- Exclusive Worship as a Lifestyle — Worshiping the Lord exclusively is not just a command but a lifestyle that reflects our reverence, gratitude, and commitment to God, as concluded in Psalms 135:19-21.
Themes from Psalms 135
- Worship and Praise — The central theme of the chapter, emphasizing the joy and obligation of worshiping the one true God. This theme is introduced in Psalms 135:1-4 and concluded in Psalms 135:19-21.
- Sovereignty of God — God's power and authority over all nations and history are highlighted, encouraging trust and obedience. This theme is seen in Psalms 135:5-7 and Psalms 135:13.
- Idolatry and Its Foolishness — The chapter contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, illustrating the wisdom of worshiping the Lord alone. This contrast is particularly evident in Psalms 135:15-18.
- Historical Remembrance — Remembering God's historical acts is crucial for deepening faith and trust, as seen in Psalms 135:8-12.
- Exclusive Worship — The importance of worshiping the one true God alone is stressed, rejecting the worship of idols and emphasizing the Lord's uniqueness and supremacy. This theme is central to Psalms 135:1-4 and Psalms 135:19-21.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways you can practically apply the call to worship and praise God in your daily life, based on Psalms 135:1-4?
- How does the contrast between the living God and idols in Psalms 135:5-7 and 15-18 challenge or encourage your faith?
- Reflect on a time when God acted powerfully in your life or in the life of your community. How does remembering this event deepen your trust in God, as seen in Psalms 135:8-12?
- What does Psalms 135:13 teach about God's eternal nature, and how does this truth impact your worship and trust in Him?
- Consider the blessing in Psalms 135:21. What does it mean for you to be blessed by the Lord, and how can you live in a way that reflects this blessing?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Worship (Psalms 135:1-4)
| 135:1 | The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord, addressing the Levites and those who stand in the house of the Lord. |
| 135:2 | It emphasizes the joy and obligation of worshiping the Lord, highlighting the greatness of God's name and the glory of His sanctuary. |
2. Contrast with Idols (Psalms 135:5-7, 15-18)
| 135:5 | The living God is contrasted with lifeless idols, noting the idols' inability to act or provide for their worshipers. |
| 135:15 | The foolishness of idolatry is highlighted, emphasizing the wisdom of worshiping the Lord alone. |
3. Historical Remembrance (Psalms 135:8-12)
| 135:8 | The psalm recalls God's historical acts, including the defeat of powerful kings and the gift of land to Israel. |
| 135:10 | It reminds Israel of God's power and faithfulness, providing a basis for trust and obedience. |
4. Call to Exclusive Worship (Psalms 135:13-14, 19-21)
| 135:13 | The chapter affirms God's eternal nature and renown, emphasizing His sovereignty over all generations. |
| 135:19 | It concludes with a call to worship the Lord exclusively, blessing the house of Israel and the house of Aaron. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 135?
The main theme of Psalms 135 is the call to worship and praise the one true God, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols and emphasizing God's sovereignty and eternal renown, as seen in Psalms 135:1-4 and Psalms 135:13.
Why is remembering God's historical acts important?
Remembering God's historical acts, as in Psalms 135:8-12, deepens faith and trust by reminding believers of God's power and faithfulness, providing a solid basis for obedience and worship.
What does the chapter teach about idolatry?
Psalms 135 teaches that idolatry is foolish and that worshiping the Lord alone is wise, emphasizing the Lord's uniqueness and supremacy, as highlighted in Psalms 135:5-7 and 15-18.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 135:1 → Psalms 113:1 | Both verses call for praise to the Lord, emphasizing the joy and obligation of worship. |
| 2 | Psalms 135:5 → Isaiah 40:18-20 | Both passages contrast the living God with lifeless idols, highlighting the foolishness of idolatry and the wisdom of worshiping the Lord alone. |
| 3 | Psalms 135:8 → Exodus 12:29-30 | The defeat of the firstborn of Egypt is recalled, illustrating God's power and faithfulness in history. |
| 4 | Psalms 135:10 → Deuteronomy 29:7 | The gift of land to Israel is remembered, underscoring God's sovereignty and provision for His people. |
| 5 | Psalms 135:13 → Exodus 3:15 | God's eternal nature and renown are emphasized, providing a basis for trust and worship. |
| 6 | Psalms 135:15 → Isaiah 44:9-20 | The foolishness of idolatry is highlighted, contrasting the living God with lifeless, powerless idols. |
| 7 | Psalms 135:19 → Numbers 6:24-26 | The blessing on the house of Israel and the house of Aaron is reminiscent of the priestly blessing, emphasizing God's care and protection for His people. |
| 8 | Psalms 135:21 → Psalms 115:9-11 | Trust in the Lord is encouraged, with a call to worship and bless His name, reflecting the theme of exclusive worship found throughout the chapter. |
| 9 | Psalms 135:1-4 → John 4:23-24 | The call to worship the Lord in spirit and truth is foreshadowed, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God in a manner that is pleasing to Him. |
| 10 | Psalms 135:13 → Hebrews 13:8 | God's eternal nature is affirmed, providing a solid basis for trust and worship, and highlighting the consistency of God's character throughout history. |
Sermons on Psalms 135
| Sermon | Description | |
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Man-Made Gods by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of understanding life one day at a time, comparing it to solving a puzzle. He emphasizes that while we may not always understand t |
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Our Praise to God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the theme of praising God. He begins by exhorting the listeners to praise the name of the Lord and to be servants of the Lord. The Psa |
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Praise Him by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising and worshiping God. He warns those who serve in the ministry to not become mechanical or regimented in their worsh |
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Praise Him Always by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising and worshiping God. He warns those who serve in the ministry to not become mechanical or regimented in their worsh |
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Hebron Dedication - Part 2 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine love for God's house. He repeatedly expresses his love for the place and habitation of God's house. The sp |
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God's Love for Himself by Michael Durham | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of God's love, specifically referencing John's first epistle chapter 4, verse 7 and 8. The preacher emphasizes the importance of l |
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The Fear of the Lord by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual nature of fear in the Scriptures, distinguishing between sinful fear, which stems from unbelief, and the reverent fear of the Lord, which is roote |
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Predestination by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the unfailing mercy and inexhaustible patience of God towards His wayward children, highlighting His gracious dealings in restoring, saving, and deliver |
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How to Seek the Saints' Rest While on Earth by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter preaches on the importance of being convinced of the value of heaven, emphasizing the need for this conviction to deeply sink into our hearts to motivate us. He urge |
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The Sovereignty of God in Creation by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God in creation, illustrating how God's will and pleasure govern all aspects of the universe, from the grandest celestial bodies to |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 135
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 135 emphasizes the call to worship and praise the one true God, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols. It highlights the importance of remembering God's historical acts, such as the defeat of kings and the gift of land, to deepen faith and trust. Henry also stresses the foolishness of idolatry and the wisdom of worshiping the Lord alone, underscoring the Lord's sovereignty and eternal renown. The commentary concludes by encouraging believers to trust in the Lord, worshiping Him in spirit and truth, and blessing His name, reflecting the themes of exclusive worship and reverence for God's greatness found throughout the chapter. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Contrast Between the Living God and Idols
The chapter starkly contrasts the living, active God of Israel with the lifeless, powerless idols of the nations, illustrating the foolishness of idolatry and the wisdom of worshiping the Lord. This contrast is particularly evident in Psalms 135:15-18, where the inability of idols to see, hear, or act is highlighted.
Historical Remembrance
The psalm recalls God's historical acts, such as the defeat of kings and the gift of land, to remind Israel of God's power and faithfulness, providing a basis for trust and obedience. This is seen in Psalms 135:8-12, where the psalmist recounts God's mighty deeds in the past.
Call to Worship
Repeated calls to praise and worship the Lord throughout the chapter emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring God's sovereignty and greatness. This call is initiated in Psalms 135:1-4 and concludes the chapter in Psalms 135:19-21, framing the entire psalm as an invitation to join in the eternal song of praise to God.