Psalm 135 is one of the Bible’s most vibrant songs. Right in its opening verses it invites us to praise the Lord with joy and reverence. More than a hymn of worship, Psalm 135 is a true declaration of who God is and what He has done for His people. Throughout this article, we will explore the text’s central themes, its historical context, its symbols, and its application for life today.
Psalm 135 Complete
¹ Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord; praise Him, you servants of the Lord.
² You who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
³ Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant.
⁴ For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His treasured possession.
⁵ For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
⁶ Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all the depths.
⁷ He makes the vapors rise from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His storehouses.
⁸ He struck the firstborn of Egypt, both man and beast;
⁹ He sent signs and wonders among you, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh and all his servants;
¹⁰ He struck many nations and slew mighty kings:
¹¹ Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan;
¹² And He gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to Israel His people.
¹³ Your name, O Lord, endures forever, Your remembrance, O Lord, through all generations.
¹⁴ For the Lord will judge His people and will have compassion on His servants.
¹⁵ The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
¹⁶ They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see;
¹⁷ They have ears, but do not hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.
¹⁸ Those who make them are like them, so is everyone who trusts in them.
¹⁹ House of Israel, bless the Lord; house of Aaron, bless the Lord;
²⁰ House of Levi, bless the Lord; you who fear the Lord, bless the Lord.
²¹ Blessed be the Lord from Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
Complete Explanation of Psalm 135 Verse by Verse
Psalm 135:1
Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord; praise Him, you servants of the Lord.
This verse opens with a summons to praise. The call is directed to the Lord’s servants, those who live in service and devotion. To praise the name of the Lord is to acknowledge His character and holiness. The repetition underscores the importance of worship as a continual practice—more than ritual, it is a heart posture before the nature of God.
Psalm 135:2
You who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
The psalmist addresses those serving in the temple—priests and Levites—who minister in the outer courts where public worship occurs. Praise should originate with those closest to God, becoming an example for the rest of the people.
Psalm 135:3
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant.
Reasons for praise are given here: God’s goodness and the beauty of His name. Praise is not a burdensome duty but a natural response to the Lord’s kindness. It is delightful both to those who praise and to God Himself, fostering communion.
Psalm 135:4
For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His treasured possession.
The psalm recalls that God chose Israel as His inheritance. Divine election is not by merit but by grace. The people are called God’s personal treasure—an expression of affection and value that reinforces their spiritual identity and privilege.
Psalm 135:5
For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
The psalmist speaks with personal conviction. He has not merely heard about God—he knows Him. He affirms that the Lord surpasses every deity worshiped among the nations, highlighting Israel’s monotheism against empty idols.
Psalm 135:6
Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all the depths.
This verse emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty. He accomplishes His will across every realm—heaven, earth, sea, and the deep. Nothing lies outside His authority.
Psalm 135:7
He makes the vapors rise from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His storehouses.
Natural phenomena are under God’s control. He governs rain, lightning, and wind, showing that even seemingly random elements obey His order. Nothing escapes the Creator’s hand.
Psalm 135:8
He struck the firstborn of Egypt, both man and beast;
God is remembered for intervening in Egypt. The death of the firstborn was the final sign of Israel’s liberation, demonstrating His power and justice against oppressors and His protection of His people.
Psalm 135:9
He sent signs and wonders among you, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh and all his servants;
The plagues of Egypt are seen as displays of divine authority. They were not merely punishments but clear signs that God is Lord even in foreign lands. Pharaoh and his servants witnessed the power of the true God.
Psalm 135:10
He struck many nations and slew mighty kings:
Israel’s deliverance extended beyond Egypt. God also defeated other powerful nations that opposed His people. He knows no geographic or political limits—mighty kings fell before His will.
Psalm 135:11
Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan;
Specific enemies defeated during the conquest of the promised land are named. Sihon and Og were feared rulers, yet they were overcome—reinforcing God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
Psalm 135:12
And He gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to Israel His people.
The conquest was not merely military victory but the fulfillment of an inherited promise. God gave the land as a gift, revealing His complete plan for Israel: liberation, victory, and possession.
Psalm 135:13
Your name, O Lord, endures forever, Your remembrance, O Lord, through all generations.
God’s name does not change with time. His fame, works, and identity remain. He is remembered from generation to generation because He is eternal—what He does today will still be sung about in the future.
Psalm 135:14
For the Lord will judge His people and will have compassion on His servants.
God rules with justice yet with compassion. He judges but does not abandon; He is moved when His people suffer. This balances His authority and His love: God disciplines but also comforts.
Psalm 135:15
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
Idols are exposed as useless. Though made of precious metals, they are merely human creations with no divine essence. Only the Lord is worthy of true worship.
Psalm 135:16
They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see,
Idols resemble living beings but are inert. They neither communicate nor perceive. The message is clear: trusting idols is trusting emptiness—a faith without response or real relationship.
Psalm 135:17
They have ears, but do not hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.
Beyond not seeing or speaking, they also do not hear or breathe—there is no life in them. This draws an absolute contrast with the living God who hears, speaks, acts, and relates to His people.
Psalm 135:18
Those who make them are like them, so is everyone who trusts in them.
This is a warning: those who craft or trust in idols become as empty as they are. Idolatry breeds spiritual insensitivity—whoever seeks salvation in dead things distances themselves from true life.
Psalm 135:19
House of Israel, bless the Lord; house of Aaron, bless the Lord;
The psalmist once again calls the people to praise. Israel as a nation and the house of Aaron as priests must publicly acknowledge God’s goodness. Praise is the duty of all who belong to the covenant.
Psalm 135:20
House of Levi, bless the Lord; you who fear the Lord, bless the Lord.
The invitation expands. Now the Levites and all who fear the Lord are called to praise. This includes not only religious leaders but anyone who honors God—praise is universal.
Psalm 135:21
Blessed be the Lord from Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
The psalm ends with a final blessing. God dwells in Zion, yet His glory reaches the whole earth. Praise begins in Jerusalem and spreads outward—worship without end. The closing call echoes the opening: praise the Lord.
Context of Psalm 135
Psalm 135 belongs to the post-exilic collection—a time when Israel was rebuilding after Babylonian captivity. Its purpose was to remind the people who God is and to reinforce their identity as a chosen nation.
It shares similarities with earlier and later psalms and even quotes portions of other songs, such as Psalm 115. Such composition was common in Jewish tradition, especially during temple festivals and liturgies.
Structure of Psalm 135
Psalm 135 divides into five main sections:
Call to Praise
The first three verses are a clear summons: all servants of the Lord must bless Him. The author highlights the Lord’s name as worthy of worship, stressing the need for constant reverence.
Declaration of God’s Greatness
In the next verses, the psalmist exalts the Lord as Creator and sovereign over heaven, earth, seas, and all creatures—affirming that God does whatever He wills with absolute power.
Remembrance of Divine Acts
The third section recalls pivotal moments in Israel’s history, such as the exodus from Egypt and the conquest of the Promised Land—events that confirm God’s care and faithfulness to His people.
Critique of Idolatry
In contrast to God’s power, idols are portrayed as human works without life, speech, or action. This critique already appeared in Psalm 115 and is reinforced here with clarity.
Conclusion and Blessing
The end of Psalm 135 returns to the call to praise, now emphasizing different groups: house of Israel, house of Aaron, house of Levi, and all who fear the Lord—forming a collective, solemn invitation to true worship.
Central Themes of Psalm 135
Praise as a Continual Practice
Psalm 135 shows that praise is not a one-off event but a continual attitude. The invitation to worship extends to all who serve the Lord—whether in temples or anywhere else.
Absolute Sovereignty of God
God is presented as the One who accomplishes everything according to His will—no natural force or human authority can limit His plans.
Historical Faithfulness
By recalling Israel’s great historical acts, Psalm 135 reinforces that God always keeps His promises. He remains constant even when the people are not.
The Danger of Idolatry
The comparison with idols serves as a warning: anyone who worships what is empty becomes like what they venerate. The psalm declares that only God deserves trust and adoration.
Practical Applications of Psalm 135
Praising in the Midst of Routine
Psalm 135 can be read or recited at the start of the day as a way to align the heart with God’s will. Praising before any other activity shifts our perspective.
Replacing Modern Idols
Though few today bow to images, many kneel to money, status, or control. Psalm 135 invites us to acknowledge who truly is Lord of our lives.
Trusting in God’s Character
Amid uncertainty, Psalm 135 reminds us that the same God who acted in the past still reigns today. He does not change and remains faithful.
Teaching Future Generations
This psalm can be used in family devotions to teach children and young people about God’s character and the value of genuine praise.
Psalm 135 and Related Psalms
Psalm 135 directly engages with Psalm 115, especially by repeating the passage about idols. Both reinforce the contrast between the living God and false deities.
It also anticipates the tone of Psalm 136, which repeats in every verse: “for His mercy endures forever.” Together they form a powerful sequence of exaltation and remembrance.
Questions for Meditation Based on Psalm 135
- Which actions of God in my life deserve to be remembered today?
- Am I living with a continual attitude of praise or only in isolated moments?
- Have I allowed modern idols to occupy the place that belongs to the Lord?
- How can I teach my family to live a life of worship as we see in Psalm 135?
Psalm 135 in Church Life
Liturgical Use
This psalm is widely used in Christian and Jewish liturgies. It appears in festivals such as Passover, being sung with music, prayer, and reflection.
Musical Repertoire
Because of its themes, Psalm 135 has inspired modern hymns and songs. Many churches have turned its verses into congregational music that exalts the Lord’s name.
Tips for Memorizing Psalm 135
- Read one verse a day and reflect on its meaning.
- Create cards with excerpts and carry them during the day.
- Write the most striking verses in a prayer journal.
- Share with friends and family during devotional moments.
FAQ – Questions about Psalm 135
What does it mean to bless the Lord?
It means acknowledging God’s goodness and greatness with words and actions, as the psalm proposes from the very beginning.
Why are idols criticized in this psalm?
Because they have no power. The contrast shows that only God is worthy of praise.
Does Psalm 135 apply today?
Yes. Its themes are universal: praise, God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and rejection of idolatry remain relevant.
Can this psalm be used in personal prayers?
Yes. It can be read as a prayer of gratitude, acknowledgment, and consecration.
Is there a connection between Psalm 135 and Psalm 136?
Yes. Both exalt God’s deeds and form part of a sequence of celebratory psalms.
Conclusion
Psalm 135 is more than a song of the past—it is a permanent invitation for everyone to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. In every verse we are reminded that the Lord continues to rule, act, and deserve all worship.
Whether in moments of celebration, reflection, or prayer, Psalm 135 remains an inexhaustible source of faith, inspiration, and reverence. May its reading lead us to a life marked by trust, remembrance of divine promises, and true worship in spirit and truth.
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