Psalms - Chapter 135

Psalms 135.1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. Psalms 135.2 Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. Psalms 135.3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. Psalms 135.4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure. Psalms 135.5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Psalms 135.6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. Psalms 135.7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries. Psalms 135.8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. Psalms 135.9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants. Psalms 135.10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; Psalms 135.11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan: Psalms 135.12 And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people. Psalms 135.13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. Psalms 135.14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants. Psalms 135.15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. Psalms 135.16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; Psalms 135.17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. Psalms 135.18 They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them. Psalms 135.19 Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron: Psalms 135.20 Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD. Psalms 135.21 Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms : Chapter 135

Psalm 135: A Hymn to the Sovereignty of God

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise that celebrates the Lord's sovereignty over all creation. Why is the Lord worthy of all worship? This majestic psalm exalts God's power, both in creation and in the history of Israel, while denouncing the futility of the idols of the nations. It invites God's people to praise His name with fervor.

Major Themes of Psalm 135

The themes of divine election, universal dominion, and the futility of idolatry are prominent throughout this psalm. It offers a grand vision of God's character and works, and encourages us to meditate on His supremacy.

Five Revealing Verses

Let us consider together five verses that illustrate the divine majesty celebrated in this exuberant psalm:

Exodus 15:11

"Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you? Majestic in holiness, terrible in glorious deeds, and the doer of wonders?" This rhetorical question from Moses underscores the incomparability of God, a central theme of Psalm 135.

Isaiah 44:9

"All those who create images are worthless, and the things they cherish are worthless. His witnesses neither see nor understand, to their shame." Here, Isaiah criticizes idolatry, a topic also addressed in Psalm 135.

Jeremiah 10:6

"There is no one like you, Lord; you are great, and great is the power of your name." Jeremiah expresses the uniqueness and greatness of God, themes that resonate deeply in the psalm 135.

Acts 14:17

"Yet he did not remain without witness, showing his kindness, giving them rain from heaven and crops at their proper time, granting them abundant sustenance and a joyful heart." In this verse, Paul evokes God's control over nature, a theme present in Psalm 135.

Revelation 19:6

"Then I heard something like the sound of a great multitude, like the roaring of many waters and a great thunder, crying out, Alleluia! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns." This heavenly praise echoes the themes of praise and God's sovereignty present in Psalm 135. In conclusion, Psalm 135 invites us to recognize God's greatness and celebrate His sovereignty with a heart full of gratitude and worship.