Psalm 135
Psalm 135, Praise for the Creator and the Redeemer
Scripture Text
Psalm 135:1, “Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.”
Psalm 135:2, “Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,”
Psalm 135:3, “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.”
Psalm 135:4, “For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.”
Psalm 135:5, “For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.”
Psalm 135:6, “Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”
Psalm 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.”
Psalm 135:8, “Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.”
Psalm 135:9, “Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.”
Psalm 135:10, “Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;”
Psalm 135:11, “Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:”
Psalm 135:12, “And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.”
Psalm 135:13, “Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.”
Psalm 135:14, “For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.”
Psalm 135:15, “The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.”
Psalm 135:16, “They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;”
Psalm 135:17, “They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.”
Psalm 135:18, “They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.”
Psalm 135:19, “Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:”
Psalm 135:20, “Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.”
Psalm 135:21, “Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.”
Introduction
Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise built upon the language and theology of earlier Scripture. Almost every verse echoes, quotes, or is connected to another Old Testament passage. The psalm draws from the wider testimony of the Hebrew Scriptures, including other psalms, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Jeremiah, and the history of Israel’s redemption. This shows that biblical praise is not shallow emotionalism. It is rooted in revelation. The people of God praise the LORD because they know who He is, what He has said, and what He has done.
The psalm begins and ends with “Praise ye the LORD.” This phrase is the Hebrew Hallelujah, a direct call for God’s people to praise Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The psalmist does not call for vague spirituality or general religious feeling. He calls for intelligent, reverent, doctrinally grounded praise to the LORD.
Psalm 135 gives several reasons why the LORD is worthy of praise. He is good. His name is pleasant. He has chosen Jacob and Israel for Himself. He is great and above all gods. He rules creation. He governs heaven, earth, seas, rain, lightning, wind, and deep places. He redeemed Israel from Egypt. He defeated mighty kings. He gave the land as a heritage to His people. His name endures forever. He judges and has compassion on His servants. He is living, powerful, and sovereign, unlike the dead idols of the nations.
This psalm is especially useful because it teaches God’s people how to praise. Biblical praise is not merely repeating words. It is the soul answering the truth of God. Worship is informed by Scripture, strengthened by memory, and directed toward the living God.
A. The Good God, Creator and Redeemer
1. Psalm 135:1 and Psalm 135:2, A Call to Praise Yahweh
Psalm 135:1, “Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.”
Psalm 135:2, “Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,”
The psalm opens with a repeated call to praise. “Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD.” The repetition is deliberate. Praise is not treated as optional, secondary, or occasional. It is the proper response of God’s people to the revelation of God’s character and works.
To praise “the name of the LORD” means to praise Him according to His revealed character. In Scripture, the name represents the person, nature, authority, reputation, and attributes of the one named. Therefore, praising the name of the LORD means praising Him for who He truly is. He is holy, righteous, merciful, faithful, sovereign, good, eternal, powerful, wise, and covenant keeping.
Exodus 34:5, “And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.”
Exodus 34:6, “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,”
Exodus 34:7, “Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear guilty; visiting iniquity of fathers upon children, and upon children’s children, unto third and to fourth generation.”
When God proclaimed His name to Moses, He revealed His character. Psalm 135 calls God’s people to praise that name.
The psalm specifically addresses “ye servants of the LORD.” These servants likely include the priests and Levites who ministered in the temple. They stood in the house of the LORD and in the courts of the house of God. The language follows naturally after Psalm 134, which also called the servants of the LORD to bless Him by night.
Those who serve God should be the first to praise Him. Service without praise becomes cold duty. Religious labor without worship becomes mechanical. Priests and Levites had tasks to perform, but the psalmist reminds them that praise must accompany service.
Psalm 134:1, “Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.”
Psalm 134:2, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.”
Psalm 135 continues that same spirit. The servants who stand in the house of the LORD must praise the LORD.
The phrase “in the courts of the house of our God” broadens the picture. Only priests entered certain areas of the temple, but the courts were places where the people of Israel gathered. Therefore, this summons includes both temple servants and worshiping Israelites. Praise belongs to all God’s people.
The words “our God” are full of covenant comfort. The psalmist does not speak of God only as Creator in a distant sense, though He is Creator. He speaks of Him as “our God.” This is covenant language. The LORD belongs to His people, and His people belong to Him.
Exodus 6:7, “And I will take you to me for people, and I will be to you God: and ye shall know that I am LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under burdens of Egyptians.”
This covenant relationship is the foundation of Israel’s praise. The LORD is not only God in general. He is their God by covenant grace.
For the Christian, this privilege is fulfilled in Christ. Through faith in Him, believers are brought near to God and made His people.
1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are chosen generation, royal priesthood, an holy nation, peculiar people; that ye should shew forth praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
1 Peter 2:10, “Which in time past were not people, but are now people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
The redeemed are called to show forth His praises. Psalm 135 is therefore not merely ancient temple language. It teaches all redeemed people to praise the LORD.
2. Psalm 135:3 and Psalm 135:4, Reasons to Praise the LORD
Psalm 135:3, “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.”
Psalm 135:4, “For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.”
The psalmist does not merely command praise. He gives reasons. The first reason is simple and foundational, “for the LORD is good.” God’s goodness is essential to His nature. He is not merely powerful. He is good. He is not merely sovereign. He is good. He is not merely eternal. He is good.
Psalm 73:1, “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of clean heart.”
Psalm 143:10, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into land of uprightness.”
Mark 10:18, “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, God.”
God is the standard of goodness. Man does not stand above God and judge whether God meets man’s definition of good. Rather, man knows good because God is good, and man is made in the image of God. Any moral judgment man makes depends upon a moral order that comes from the Creator.
The psalmist then says, “sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.” Praise is not only right, it is pleasant. This does not mean the primary goal of worship is man’s emotional satisfaction. Worship is first for God’s glory. Yet true praise does bless the worshiper. It orders the heart, lifts the mind, strengthens faith, and brings joy to the soul.
Psalm 147:1, “Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for pleasant; and praise is comely.”
Praise is comely, fitting, and pleasant. God designed man to worship. Therefore, when man worships the true God rightly, he is doing what he was made to do.
Psalm 135:4 gives another reason for praise, “For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.” God’s choice of Israel was not based on Israel’s greatness, size, power, or merit. It was rooted in His love and covenant promise.
Deuteronomy 7:6, “For thou art holy people unto LORD thy God: LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be special people unto himself, above all people that are upon face of earth.”
Deuteronomy 7:7, “The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were fewest of all people:”
Deuteronomy 7:8, “But because LORD loved you, and because he would keep oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath LORD brought you out with mighty hand, and redeemed you out of house of bondmen, from hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”
This is the theology behind Psalm 135:4. The LORD chose Jacob and Israel because of His love and His oath. Israel was His “peculiar treasure,” meaning His special possession, His treasured people, set apart for Himself.
The psalm says the LORD chose Jacob “unto himself.” That is the greatest part of the blessing. God did not choose Israel merely for land, privilege, prosperity, victory, or national identity, though those blessings were real. He chose them for Himself. The highest blessing of election is belonging to God.
The same principle applies to New Testament believers. The church does not replace Israel, and God’s covenant purposes for Israel remain, but believers in Christ also know the grace of being chosen in Him.
Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”
Ephesians 1:4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before foundation of world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”
God’s choosing grace should produce humility, holiness, gratitude, and praise. Election is never a reason for pride. It is a reason to worship.
3. Psalm 135:5 through Psalm 135:7, Praising God Who Creates All Things
Psalm 135:5, “For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.”
Psalm 135:6, “Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”
Psalm 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.”
The psalmist now moves from God’s goodness and election to His greatness and sovereignty. He says, “For I know that the LORD is great.” This is personal conviction. The psalmist is not guessing. He knows. His praise rests on truth.
He also says, “our Lord is above all gods.” The Bible does not recognize pagan idols as true gods equal to Yahweh. It often speaks in the language of comparison to show that whatever the nations worship, the LORD is infinitely above it. Their so called gods are nothing. The LORD alone is Creator, Redeemer, Judge, and King.
Exodus 15:11, “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful praises, doing wonders?”
There is none like the LORD. He is glorious in holiness and fearful in praises.
Psalm 135:6 declares His sovereign freedom, “Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” God does what He pleases. This does not mean He acts wickedly or irrationally. His pleasure is always consistent with His holy character, wisdom, righteousness, and truth. But it does mean no creature can overrule Him. He is sovereign in heaven, earth, seas, and deep places.
Psalm 115:3, “But our God is in heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”
The LORD is not limited by geography, weather, rulers, armies, idols, demons, or human will. His dominion extends over all things.
Psalm 135:7 gives examples from the created order. “He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth.” God governs the water cycle. He causes vapors to ascend, clouds to form, rain to fall, lightning to flash, and winds to blow.
Jeremiah 10:13, “When he uttereth voice, there is multitude of waters in heavens, and he causeth vapours to ascend from ends of earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth wind out of his treasures.”
Jeremiah 51:16, “When he uttereth voice, there is multitude of waters in heavens; and he causeth vapours to ascend from ends of earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth wind out of his treasures.”
Psalm 135 uses this same language to declare that weather belongs to the LORD. This is especially significant in contrast to Baal worship. Baal was treated by the Canaanites as a storm and fertility god. He was often associated with rain, thunder, lightning, and agricultural prosperity. Psalm 135 strips that false glory from Baal and gives it to the LORD alone. Yahweh makes lightning for the rain. Yahweh brings the wind out of His treasuries.
1 Kings 18:21, “And Elijah came unto all people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And people answered him not word.”
The confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal showed that Baal was powerless and the LORD alone is God. Psalm 135 teaches the same truth through praise.
The God who rules creation is worthy of worship because He governs everything man cannot control. Rain, lightning, wind, seas, depths, and heavens are all under His command.
4. Psalm 135:8 through Psalm 135:12, Praising God Who Redeems His People
Psalm 135:8, “Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.”
Psalm 135:9, “Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.”
Psalm 135:10, “Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;”
Psalm 135:11, “Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:”
Psalm 135:12, “And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.”
The psalmist now praises the LORD as Redeemer. God’s greatness is seen not only in creation, but in history. He acts in time, delivers His people, judges His enemies, and keeps His promises.
The first great act remembered is the exodus. “Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.” This refers to the final plague upon Egypt, when the LORD judged Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt.
Exodus 12:12, “For I will pass through land of Egypt this night, and will smite all firstborn in land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am LORD.”
The death of the firstborn was not random cruelty. It was covenant judgment after Pharaoh hardened his heart and enslaved Israel. Egypt had oppressed God’s people and murdered Hebrew sons. The LORD acted in justice and redemption.
The Passover also showed the need for substitutionary blood. Israel’s firstborn were spared under the blood of the lamb.
Exodus 12:13, “And blood shall be to you for token upon houses where ye are: and when I see blood, I will pass over you, and plague shall not upon you to destroy you, when I smite land of Egypt.”
The exodus points forward to Christ, the true Passover Lamb.
1 Corinthians 5:7, “Purge out therefore old leaven, that ye may be new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:”
Psalm 135:9 says God “sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.” The signs and wonders were demonstrations of Yahweh’s power over Egypt’s gods, Pharaoh’s pride, and the created order itself.
Deuteronomy 6:22, “And LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all household, before our eyes:”
God redeemed Israel with mighty acts so the people would know Him and teach the next generation.
After the exodus, God continued to show His power by defeating nations and mighty kings.
Psalm 135:10, “Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;”
Psalm 135:11, “Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:”
Sihon and Og were powerful kings east of the Jordan who opposed Israel. Their defeat became a repeated testimony of God’s faithfulness and strength.
Numbers 21:23, “And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through border: but Sihon gathered all people together, and went out against Israel into wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.”
Numbers 21:24, “And Israel smote him with edge of sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto children of Ammon: for border of children of Ammon was strong.”
Numbers 21:33, “And they turned and went up by way of Bashan: and Og king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all people, to battle at Edrei.”
Numbers 21:34, “And LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all people, and land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.”
Numbers 21:35, “So they smote him, and sons, and all people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.”
These victories were not Israel’s independent achievement. The LORD gave the enemies into their hand.
Psalm 135:12 says He “gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.” The land was a gift rooted in covenant promise. God had promised it to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He gave it to their descendants.
Genesis 17:7, “And I will establish covenant between me and thee and seed after thee in their generations for everlasting covenant, to be God unto thee, and to seed after thee.”
Genesis 17:8, “And I will give unto thee, and to seed after thee, land wherein thou art stranger, all land of Canaan, for everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
Canaan became Israel’s heritage because the LORD had promised it. Psalm 135 praises God as the One who redeems, conquers, and gives inheritance.
For the Christian, these historical redemptions point to the greater redemption in Christ. The believer has been delivered from bondage to sin and given an inheritance that cannot fade.
Colossians 1:12, “Giving thanks unto Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of inheritance of saints in light:”
Colossians 1:13, “Who hath delivered us from power of darkness, and hath translated us into kingdom of his dear Son:”
Colossians 1:14, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even forgiveness of sins:”
The LORD who redeemed Israel from Egypt redeems sinners through the blood of Christ.
B. Exalting God in All His Greatness
1. Psalm 135:13 and Psalm 135:14, The Greatness of God’s Fame
Psalm 135:13, “Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.”
Psalm 135:14, “For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.”
After rehearsing God’s power in creation and redemption, the psalmist declares the enduring glory of His name. “Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever.” God’s name does not fade. His reputation does not pass away. His glory is not tied to one generation’s memory. His name endures forever.
Human names rise and fall. Kings die. Empires collapse. Famous men are forgotten. But the name of the LORD endures.
Exodus 3:15, “And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto children of Israel, LORD God of your fathers, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”
Psalm 135:13 echoes this revelation. The LORD’s memorial is throughout all generations. He is the same covenant God who called Abraham, appeared to Moses, redeemed Israel, and remains faithful forever.
Malachi 3:6, “For I am LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”
God’s immutability is the reason His people are not consumed. He does not change in His character, promises, holiness, mercy, or faithfulness.
Psalm 135:14 says, “For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.” This language echoes Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 32:36, “For LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that power is gone, and none shut up, or left.”
To say the LORD will “judge his people” here means He will vindicate them, do justice for them, and deal rightly with them. God’s judgment is not only against His people. It is also for His people when they are oppressed and in need.
The phrase “he will repent himself concerning his servants” does not mean God morally changes or discovers new information. It means He turns in compassion toward His servants. He relents from judgment when His purposes of correction are accomplished and shows mercy according to His covenant compassion.
Psalm 103:13, “Like as father pitieth children, so LORD pitieth them that fear him.”
The LORD’s greatness is not cold power. He is great in compassion toward His servants.
2. Psalm 135:15 through Psalm 135:18, The Greatness of God in Contrast to the Empty Folly of Idols
Psalm 135:15, “The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.”
Psalm 135:16, “They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;”
Psalm 135:17, “They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.”
Psalm 135:18, “They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.”
The psalm now contrasts the living God with dead idols. After praising the LORD as Creator, Redeemer, Judge, and covenant God, the idols of the nations are exposed as lifeless objects.
Psalm 135:15, “The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.”
Idols may be made of valuable materials, but they are still dead. Silver and gold do not give life. Craftsmanship does not create deity. The idol is not the maker of man. It is the work of man’s hands.
This is the great absurdity of idolatry. Man cuts, carves, forms, polishes, carries, and places an object, then bows before it as though it can save him.
Isaiah 44:14, “He heweth him down cedars, and taketh cypress and oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among trees of forest: he planteth ash, and rain doth nourish it.”
Isaiah 44:15, “Then shall it be for man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it graven image, and falleth down thereto.”
Isaiah 44:16, “He burneth part thereof in fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen fire:”
Isaiah 44:17, “And residue thereof he maketh god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art god.”
Isaiah mocks the insanity of idolatry. The same material is used for firewood and false worship. Psalm 135 exposes the same foolishness.
The idols “have mouths, but they speak not.” They cannot reveal truth, give commandments, comfort the broken, warn sinners, or speak promises. The LORD speaks. Idols do not.
Hebrews 1:1, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto fathers by prophets,”
Hebrews 1:2, “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made worlds;”
The true God speaks. He has spoken in Scripture and supremely through His Son.
The idols have “eyes,” but “they see not.” They cannot watch over worshipers. They cannot see danger. They cannot behold suffering. They cannot judge wickedness. The LORD sees all.
Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of LORD are in every place, beholding evil and good.”
The idols have “ears,” but “they hear not.” They cannot hear prayer. They cannot receive cries for help. They cannot answer supplication. The LORD hears His people.
Psalm 34:17, “The righteous cry, and LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”
The idols have no breath in their mouths. They are lifeless. They cannot live, speak, breathe, act, save, judge, redeem, or bless.
Psalm 135:18 gives the devastating conclusion, “They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.” A man becomes like what he worships. Idolatry degrades the worshiper. Those who worship dead things become spiritually deadened. Those who trust in powerless things become spiritually powerless. Those who worship blind idols become blind to truth.
This principle still applies. Modern idolatry may not always involve statues of silver and gold. Men worship money, success, politics, pleasure, technology, reputation, self, power, entertainment, and human achievement. Whatever takes the place of God becomes an idol. And the worshiper is shaped by it.
Romans 1:21, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither thankful; but became vain in imaginations, and foolish heart was darkened.”
Romans 1:22, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”
Romans 1:23, “And changed glory of uncorruptible God into image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”
Idolatry darkens the heart. It does not elevate man. It deforms him.
The only safe worship is worship of the living God. Those who worship God are transformed by Him.
2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as in glass glory of Lord, are changed into same image from glory to glory, even as by Spirit of Lord.”
A man becomes like what he beholds. Worship the dead idols of the world, and the soul becomes deadened. Behold the glory of the Lord, and the Spirit changes the believer from glory to glory.
3. Psalm 135:19 through Psalm 135:21, The People of God Called to Bless and Praise Yahweh
Psalm 135:19, “Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:”
Psalm 135:20, “Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.”
Psalm 135:21, “Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.”
The psalm closes with a repeated call to bless the LORD. The house of Israel is called first. This includes the covenant people as a whole. Israel has special reason to bless the LORD because He chose them, redeemed them, protected them, gave them the land, and revealed His name to them.
The house of Aaron is called next. This refers to the priestly line. The priests had special responsibilities in the worship of God. Because they served near the holy things, they had special reason to bless the LORD.
The house of Levi is also called. The Levites served in many temple duties, including music, guarding, assisting priests, and supporting the worship of God’s house. They too must bless the LORD.
Then the psalm broadens the call, “ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.” This may include all Israelites who truly fear God, and it may also open the door to God fearing Gentiles who honor the LORD. The fear of the LORD is the mark of true worshipers.
Psalm 115:9, “O Israel, trust thou in LORD: he is their help and their shield.”
Psalm 115:10, “O house of Aaron, trust in LORD: he is their help and their shield.”
Psalm 115:11, “Ye that fear LORD, trust in LORD: he is their help and their shield.”
Psalm 135 echoes this same structure. Israel, Aaron, Levi, and all who fear the LORD are summoned to bless Him.
Psalm 135:21 says, “Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem.” Zion and Jerusalem remain central in the psalm because they are connected to God’s chosen worship, temple, priesthood, and covenant presence. Yet the LORD is not limited to Jerusalem. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. His praise goes out from Zion, and His greatness extends over all creation.
The psalm ends as it began, “Praise ye the LORD.” This is the final word because it is the fitting response to everything the psalm has declared. The LORD is good. The LORD is great. The LORD has chosen His people. The LORD rules creation. The LORD redeemed Israel. The LORD defeated mighty kings. The LORD gave an inheritance. The LORD’s name endures forever. The LORD has compassion on His servants. The LORD is living and true, unlike idols. Therefore, praise ye the LORD.
Doctrinal and Practical Summary
Psalm 135 teaches that praise must be grounded in revelation. The psalm is saturated with Scripture, showing that true worship is shaped by the word of God.
The psalm teaches that the LORD is good. His goodness is not occasional or uncertain. It belongs to His nature. Because He is good, His people should praise Him.
Psalm 135 teaches that God’s people praise Him for sovereign grace. He chose Jacob and Israel for Himself, not because of their greatness, but because of His love and covenant promise.
The psalm teaches that the LORD is Creator and sovereign ruler over all things. Heaven, earth, seas, deep places, vapors, rain, lightning, and wind obey Him. No pagan deity and no modern idol has such power.
Psalm 135 teaches that the LORD is Redeemer. He delivered Israel from Egypt, judged Pharaoh, defeated mighty kings, and gave the land as a heritage to His people. These historical acts point forward to the greater redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ.
The psalm teaches that idols are dead and degrading. They may be made of silver and gold, but they cannot speak, see, hear, breathe, save, or bless. Those who make and trust in idols become like them.
Finally, Psalm 135 calls all God’s people to bless the LORD. Israel, Aaron, Levi, and all who fear the LORD must praise Him. The psalm begins and ends with the same command, “Praise ye the LORD.”
