◄ Psalm 135:3 ►
Hallelujah, for the LORD is good; sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.
Study Bible
Praise the LORD
The phrase "Praise the LORD" is a call to worship and adoration directed towards Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The Hebrew word for "praise" is "halal," which means to boast or to glorify. This word is the root of "Hallelujah," a term that has transcended languages and cultures as a universal expression of worship. In the historical context, this call to praise would have been a communal activity, often accompanied by music and singing in the temple. It is a reminder of the importance of worship in the life of believers, encouraging them to focus on God's majesty and goodness.

for the LORD is good
The phrase "for the LORD is good" emphasizes the inherent goodness of God. The Hebrew word for "good" is "tov," which conveys a sense of moral excellence, kindness, and benevolence. This declaration is foundational to the understanding of God's character throughout the Bible. Historically, the goodness of God was a source of comfort and assurance for the Israelites, especially during times of trial and uncertainty. It reassures believers that God's intentions and actions are always for their ultimate benefit, encouraging trust and reliance on Him.

sing praises to His name
"Sing praises to His name" is an exhortation to vocalize worship through song. The act of singing is a powerful form of expression that engages both the heart and mind. The Hebrew word for "sing praises" is "zamar," which involves making music, often with instruments. In ancient Israel, music was an integral part of worship, with the Levites leading the congregation in song. This phrase highlights the importance of using one's voice and talents to honor God, recognizing His name as holy and worthy of reverence.

for it is pleasant
The phrase "for it is pleasant" describes the delightful and agreeable nature of worship. The Hebrew word "na'im" conveys a sense of beauty and sweetness. Worship is not only a duty but also a joy, bringing satisfaction and peace to the soul. Historically, the Israelites found great pleasure in gathering together to worship, as it fostered a sense of community and connection with God. This phrase encourages believers to find joy in their worship, understanding that it is a pleasing and fulfilling experience both for them and for God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, Yahweh is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His people.

2. The Psalmist
The author of this psalm, traditionally attributed to the community of Israel, who calls the people to worship and praise God.

3. The Temple
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 135 suggests a setting of communal worship, likely in the temple in Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
The Goodness of God
Recognize and meditate on the inherent goodness of God. His nature is the foundation for our praise and worship.

The Beauty of His Name
The name of the LORD is lovely, reflecting His character and deeds. In worship, we should focus on the beauty and holiness of God's name.

The Call to Worship
Worship is both a personal and communal act. Engage in both private and corporate worship, acknowledging God's goodness and beauty.

Consistency in Praise
Make praising God a regular part of your life, not just in times of joy but also in times of trial, as an expression of faith in His goodness.

The Role of Music in Worship
Singing is a powerful form of worship that engages the heart and mind. Use music as a means to express your love and adoration for God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the goodness of God influence your daily life and decisions?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of praising God's name into your daily routine?

3. How does the communal aspect of worship enhance your personal relationship with God?

4. Reflect on a time when singing praises to God brought you peace or joy. How can you make this a more regular practice?

5. How do other scriptures that speak of God's goodness and beauty deepen your understanding of Psalm 135:3?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 100
This psalm also emphasizes the goodness of the LORD and calls for joyful worship, reinforcing the theme of praising God for His inherent goodness.

1 Chronicles 16
This passage includes a song of thanksgiving that highlights the goodness and enduring love of the LORD, similar to the call to praise in Psalm 135:3.

James 1:17
This New Testament verse speaks of every good and perfect gift coming from God, aligning with the acknowledgment of God's goodness in Psalm 135:3.
Sermons
The Pleasantness of the Divine NameR. Tuck Psalm 135:3
God's PraisesC. Short Psalm 135:1-21
The March of MercyS. Conway Psalm 135:1-21
The Sublime Object of WorshipHomilistPsalm 135:1-21
People
Aaron, Amorites, Jacob, Levi, Og, Pharaoh, Psalmist, Sihon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Gracious, Jah, Lovely, Melody, Pleasant, Pleasing, Praise, Praises, Psalms, Sing, Yah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 135:3

     1050   God, goodness of
     8665   praise, reasons

Psalm 135:1-3

     8660   magnifying God

Psalm 135:3-4

     7135   Israel, people of God
     8666   praise, manner and methods

Library
What Pleases God.
"Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places."--Psalm 135:6. "Was Gott gefaellt, mein frommes Kind." [74]Gerhardt. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1858 What God decrees, child of His love, Take patiently, though it may prove The storm that wrecks thy treasure here, Be comforted! thou needst not fear What pleases God. The wisest will is God's own will; Rest on this anchor, and be still; For peace around thy path shall flow, When only wishing here …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
Num. 14-Dt. 34. The Pathos of the Forty Years. The stories of this period have running through them an element of pathos arising especially from two sources. (1) Perhaps the experiences of Moses are most sorrowful. That he should now, after faithfully bringing this people to the very border of the land which they sought, be compelled to spend forty monotonous years in this bare and uninteresting desert must have been a disappointment very heavy to bear. During these wanderings he buried Miriam, …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches on the Subject.
To set forth the present teaching of the Latin Church upon the subject of images and the cultus which is due them, I cite the decree of the Council of Trent and a passage from the Catechism set forth by the authority of the same synod. (Conc. Trid., Sess. xxv. December 3d and 4th, 1563. [Buckley's Trans.]) The holy synod enjoins on all bishops, and others sustaining the office and charge of teaching that, according to the usage of the Catholic and Apostolic Church received from the primitive times …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Christ's Kingly Office
Q-26: HOW DOES CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A KING? A: In subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. Let us consider now Christ's regal office. And he has on his vesture, and on his thigh, a name written, "King of kings, and Lord of lords", Rev 19:16. Jesus Christ is of mighty renown, he is a king; (1.) he has a kingly title. High and Lofty.' Isa 57:15. (2.) He has his insignia regalia, his ensigns of royalty; corona est insigne …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple …
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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