Psalms 135
Praise the Name of the LORD
Overview
Psalm 135 calls all servants of God to praise His name, recounting His mighty acts in creation and redemption and mocking the emptiness of idols.
Introduction
Psalm 135 is a grand hymn of praise that draws on many other psalms and passages, weaving them into a tapestry of worship. It celebrates God's election of Israel, His sovereignty over nature, His mighty acts in the Exodus and conquest, and His superiority over all idols. The psalm opens and closes with "Hallelujah"—Praise the LORD!
A Call to Praise
[1-4] "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!" [1-2]. The servants in the temple are summoned to worship. Why? "Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant!" [3]. And foundationally: "For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession" [4].
- Praise the name of the LORD [1]: His name represents His character
- For the LORD is good [3]: The reason for praise
- Chosen Jacob [4]: Election as the ground of gratitude
God's Sovereignty Over All
[5-7] "For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods" [5]. "Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps" [6]. His sovereignty extends everywhere. He controls weather—"clouds from the end of the earth... lightning for the rain... wind from his storehouses" [7].
- Above all gods [5]: Supreme over all claimed deities
- Whatever he pleases [6]: Absolute sovereignty
- In heaven and earth [6]: Universal dominion
Mighty Acts of Redemption
[8-12] The psalm recounts the Exodus: striking Egypt's firstborn, sending signs and wonders against Pharaoh [8-9]. Then the conquest: defeating Sihon and Og and all the kingdoms of Canaan, giving their land as "a heritage to Israel his people" [10-12]. God acts in history to redeem His people.
- Struck the firstborn [8]: The decisive plague
- Signs and wonders [9]: God's power displayed
- Heritage to Israel [12]: The promised land given
God's Enduring Name
[13-14] "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." God's reputation spans generations. He does not abandon His people but defends and pities them.
The Emptiness of Idols
[15-18] "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... Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them!" [15-18]. This echoes Psalm 115, mocking idols' powerlessness. We become what we worship—lifeless idols produce lifeless worshipers.
A Closing Call to Praise
[19-21] "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!" [19-20]. Every group—nation, priests, Levites, God-fearers—is called to worship. "Blessed be the LORD from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!" [21].
Key Takeaways
- God is great above all gods [5]: No rival compares
- He does whatever He pleases [6]: Sovereign over all
- He acts to redeem His people [8-12]: History reveals His salvation
- Idols are empty [15-18]: Only the LORD is worthy of worship
Reflection Questions
- What mighty acts of God in your life call you to praise Him?
- What modern "idols" might be making you like them—lifeless, purposeless?
- How can you join the chorus: "Praise the LORD"?
Pause and Reflect
"Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth." — Psalm 135:6
Take 5 minutes to meditate on God's absolute sovereignty. He does whatever He pleases—and what He pleases is good, redemptive, and for His glory. Praise His name.
This Bible study was written by Claude AI to help you engage with God's Word while our team prepares in-depth studies. We believe Scripture speaks for itself, and we hope this serves as a helpful starting point for your study.