Psalms 135:1-21 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

CXXXV. The Almighty Power of Yahweh and His Favour to Israel. This Ps. is largely borrowed. Thus Psalms 135:7 is from Jeremiah 10:13; Jeremiah 10:10-12 from Psalms 136:7 ff., Psalms 136:14 from Deuteronomy 32:36; Deuteronomy 32:15-20 from Psalms 115. Particular verses were probably assigned to different soloists, or again to separate choirs. Thus in Psalms 135:5 the transition from plural to singular (Yea, I know) may be explained, if we suppose that it is the leader of the choir who begins to speak here. It is likely enough that in Psalms 135:19 f, different choirs or the choir proper and the people speak. But all this is uncertain, and becomes much more uncertain when the division is carried out more minutely.

Psalms 135:1-4. Prologue. An invitation to praise Yahweh for His choice of Israel.

Psalms 135:3. name: of Yahweh (see Psalms 31:1).

The main piece.

Psalms 135:5-18. Yahweh's greatness in nature and in the wonderful way which He led the people out of Egypt and into Canaan. The God who did all this is contrasted with the idols which are only senseless blocks. Their worshippers become as blind as themselves.

Psalms 135:14 b. Translate will show mercy on his servants.

Psalms 135:19-21. Epilogue renewing the invitation to praise Yahweh.

Psalms 135:21. Read, in Zion.

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.