Psalms 135:1-21 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Reader Related Verse
Bible Comments

After the general movement of this book of the Psalter which has brought us in thought to the ultimate realisation of worship, and before the final psalms of perfected praise, we now have a section (Psalms 135:1-21; Psalms 136:1-26; Psalms 137:1-9; Psalms 138:1-8; Psalms 139:1-24; Psalms 140:1-13; Psalms 141:1-10; Psalms 142:1-7; Psalms 143:1-12; Psa 144:1-15) in which are contained songs of experience, and inspiration of which is in the conceptions of Jehovah and the way of approach to Him, which the former songs have set forth.

This first of the series is a pure song of praise. It opens with a call to the priests as the representatives of the people to praise (vv. Psa 135:1-2). It proceeds to set forth the reasons for this praise (vv. Psa 135:3-18). The first is that of what He is in Himself, and the fact that He has chosen His people (vv. Psa 135:3-5). The second is that of His creative might (vv. Psa 135:6-7). The third is that of His deliverance of His people from bondage (vv. Psa 135:8-9). The fourth is that of His giving them a land (vv. Psa 135:10-12). The fifth is that of His faithfulness (v. Psa 135:13). The sixth is that of His sure judgment and consequent return to His servants (v. Psa 135:14). The seventh is that of His superiority as the Living One over all the false and dead idols of the nations (vv. Psalms 135:15-18). Finally the song is an appeal to nation, priests, and Levites to unite in praise.

Related Commentaries of Psalms 135:1

Psalms 135:1-21

1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.

2 Ye that 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 unto his name; for it is pleasant.

4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

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.

8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.

9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:

12 And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.

13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.

14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;

17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.

18 They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.

19 Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:

20 Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.

21 Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.