◄ Psalm 135 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Give Praise, O Servants of the LORD (Psalm 115:1–18) 1Hallelujah!a Praise the name of the LORD. Give praise, O servants of the LORD, 2who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. 3Hallelujah, for the LORD is good; sing praises to His name, for it is lovely. 4For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession. 5For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods. 6The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths. 7He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. 8He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both man and beast. 9He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. 10He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings: 11Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan. 12He gave their land as an inheritance, as a heritage to His people Israel. 13Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, through all generations. 14For the LORD will vindicate His peopleb and will have compassion on His servants. 15The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. 16They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; 17they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. 18Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. 19O house of Israel, bless the LORD; O house of Aaron, bless the LORD; 20O house of Levi, bless the LORD; you who fear the LORD, bless the LORD! 21Blessed be the LORD from Zion— He who dwells in Jerusalem. Hallelujah! Footnotes: 1 a Or Hallelu YAH, meaning Praise the LORD; also in verses 3 and 21 14 b Or will judge His people; see also LXX; cited in Hebrews 10:30. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 135 Summary Give Praise, O Servants of the LORD Verses 1–4 – Call to Praise in the Temple The psalm opens with a triple “Hallelujah,” urging the priests, Levites, and every servant standing in the courts of the LORD to lift their voices. Israel is reminded that being “His treasured possession” is reason enough for endless praise. Verses 5–12 – Remembering the LORD’s Mighty Acts The singer declares, “I know that the LORD is great” and rehearses His sovereignty over creation, the Exodus plagues, the Red Sea crossing, and the defeat of Sihon, Og, and the kings of Canaan. Memory fuels worship. Verses 13–14 – The Eternal Name and Just Judgment “Your name, O LORD, endures forever.” Because His reputation never fades, His care for His people never fails. He “will have compassion on His servants,” righting every wrong. Verses 15–18 – The Folly of Idols Silver and gold statues crafted by human hands cannot breathe, speak, or see. Those who trust them “will be like them.” The psalmist contrasts lifeless idols with the living Creator. Verses 19–21 – A Closing Chorus from Zion From the house of Israel to “you who fear the LORD,” everyone is invited to bless Him. The song ends where it began—“Hallelujah!” sounding out from Zion. Psalm 135 is a powerful hymn that celebrates God's sovereignty, providence, and unfailing love. The Psalmist calls all people, especially the Israelites, to acknowledge the majesty and mercy of God, contrasting it sharply with the emptiness of idol worship. The chapter paints a vivid picture of a universe orchestrated by an all-powerful, loving, and merciful God. Authorship and Setting The text gives no author, yet its language matches the post-exilic worship scene (compare Ezra 3:10–11). References to priestly service in “the courts of the house of the LORD” place the occasion in Jerusalem’s temple, likely during a major feast when worshippers filled the courts. Literary Structure • Two bookends of “Praise the LORD” (vv. 1, 21) • Centerpiece: God’s eternal name (v. 13) • Repeated verbs of praise—“praise,” “bless,” “sing”—shape the flow. • Echoes of Psalm 115 (vv. 15-18 ≈ Psalm 115:4-8) create a dialogue between psalms. Key Themes 1. The LORD’s unmatched greatness (vv. 5-7) 2. The memory of redemption (vv. 8-12) 3. The endurance of God’s name (v. 13) 4. The emptiness of idolatry (vv. 15-18) 5. All-inclusive worship (vv. 19-21) Connections across Scripture • Exodus 19:5 – “My treasured possession” mirrors v. 4. • Deuteronomy 7:6-8 – The LORD’s election of Israel undergirds the psalmist’s call. • Joshua 12 – Lists the same defeated kings named in vv. 10-11. • Jeremiah 10:3-5 – Ridicules idols much like vv. 15-18. • Revelation 19:1-6 – Heavenly worship picks up the “Hallelujah” chorus heard here. Historical and Archaeological Notes • Sihon king of the Amorites (v. 11) – Excavations at Heshbon reveal Late Bronze fortifications, matching the biblical setting. • Og king of Bashan (v. 11) – Basalt dolmens and large Iron Age structures in the Golan Heights testify to an ancient, formidable populace. • “Kings of Canaan” (v. 11) – The Merneptah Stele (c. 1208 BC) already speaks of “Israel” in Canaan, anchoring these conquests in history. • Egyptian plagues (v. 8) – Texts from the Leiden Papyrus parallel calamities that struck Egypt, lending extra-biblical flavor to the narrative remembrance. The Living God versus Idols Verses 15-18 contrast the LORD’s active rule with powerless images: • Mouths that cannot speak vs. the LORD who “speaks” creation into existence (Genesis 1). • Eyes that cannot see vs. the LORD who “looks down from heaven” (Psalm 113:5-6). • The warning: trusting dead idols produces spiritual deadness. Looking toward Christ • Jesus embodies the “name above every name” (Philippians 2:9), fulfilling v. 13. • His victory over sin and death mirrors the Exodus pattern celebrated in vv. 8-12. • In John 2:19-21, Jesus speaks of His body as the true temple—an ultimate setting for the praise echoed in this psalm. Practical Application for Worship Today • Begin praise with who God is, not with our mood (vv. 1-4). • Tell the accounts of God’s past deliverance to ignite present faith (vv. 5-12). • Lean on His unchanging name when justice seems delayed (v. 14). • Reject modern “idols” of self, wealth, and image that cannot save (vv. 15-18). • Let every group—family, church, even “you who fear the LORD” worldwide—add its voice (vv. 19-21). Worship Through the Ages Early Jewish liturgy paired Psalm 135 with Psalm 136 for morning prayers, combining praise (“Hallelujah”) with thanksgiving (“His love endures forever”). The church continued the practice: Augustine quoted v. 13 to comfort believers under persecution; Reformers used vv. 15-18 to expose the folly of relic worship. Summary Insight Psalm 135 invites God’s people, past and present, into a full-throated, history-rooted, idol-exposing celebration of the living LORD whose name will never fade. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 15:1-18 The Song of Moses, which celebrates God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, parallels the themes of God's mighty acts in Psalm 135. Isaiah 44:9-20 This passage also addresses the futility of idolatry, reinforcing the message of Psalm 135. 1 Chronicles 16:23-36 A call to worship and praise that echoes the themes of God's greatness and faithfulness found in Psalm 135. Teaching Points Call to Praise The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord, emphasizing the importance of worship in the lives of God's people. Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD; give praise, O servants of the LORD (Psalm 135:1). God's Sovereignty The psalmist highlights God's supreme authority over all creation, stating, For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods (Psalm 135:5). Mighty Acts The psalm recounts God's mighty acts in history, including the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His provision for His people. He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings (Psalm 135:10). Idolatry's Futility The psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, pointing out their inability to see, hear, or act. The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men (Psalm 135:15). Enduring Faithfulness The psalm concludes with a reminder of God's enduring faithfulness to His people, encouraging all who fear the Lord to bless His name. O house of Israel, bless the LORD; O house of Aaron, bless the LORD (Psalm 135:19). Practical Applications Engage in Regular Worship Make it a priority to praise God daily, recognizing His greatness and thanking Him for His mighty works in your life. Trust in God's Sovereignty In times of uncertainty, remember that God is in control and His plans are perfect. Reject Idolatry Examine your life for anything that may take the place of God in your heart, and commit to serving Him alone. Reflect on God's Faithfulness Keep a journal of answered prayers and instances of God's provision to remind yourself of His faithfulness. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in Psalm 135, the LORD is praised for His greatness, sovereignty, and mighty acts. The name "Yahweh" is derived from the Hebrew root "הוה" (hwh), meaning "to be," emphasizing God's eternal existence and self-sufficiency. 2. House of Israel Refers to the collective people of Israel, God's chosen nation. They are called to praise the LORD for His enduring love and mighty deeds on their behalf. 3. House of Aaron Represents the priestly lineage within Israel, descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses. They are specifically called to bless the LORD, highlighting their role in leading worship and sacrifices. 4. House of Levi Refers to the tribe of Levi, from which the priests and temple workers are drawn. They are also called to bless the LORD, emphasizing their service in the temple and religious duties. 5. You who fear the LORD This phrase includes all who revere and worship God, extending beyond the Israelites to encompass all who acknowledge His sovereignty and power. Places 1. Egypt Mentioned in verse 8, Egypt is significant as the land from which God delivered the Israelites. The reference to Egypt highlights God's power and the miraculous events of the Exodus. 2. Sihon, King of the Amorites Found in verse 11, Sihon represents the Amorite kingdom east of the Jordan River. The defeat of Sihon by the Israelites is a testament to God's provision and support for His people. 3. Og, King of Bashan Also mentioned in verse 11, Og was the king of Bashan, another region east of the Jordan. His defeat, like that of Sihon, underscores God's might and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. 4. Canaan In verse 11, Canaan is the land promised to the Israelites. The mention of Canaan signifies the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Events 1. Call to Praise the Lord The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord, specifically directed at the servants of the Lord who stand in the house of the Lord. This sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing worship and reverence. (Psalm 135:1-2) 2. Praise for the Lord's Goodness The psalmist declares the goodness of the Lord and encourages singing praises to His name, which is described as "pleasant." This reflects the Hebrew understanding of God's name as representing His character and presence. (Psalm 135:3) 3. The Lord's Choice of Jacob and Israel The psalm acknowledges that the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself and Israel as His treasured possession, highlighting the special covenant relationship between God and His people. (Psalm 135:4) 4. The Lord's Greatness and Sovereignty The psalmist proclaims the greatness of the Lord, affirming that He is above all gods. This statement underscores the monotheistic belief in the supremacy of Yahweh over any other deities. (Psalm 135:5) 5. The Lord's Control Over Creation The psalm describes the Lord's sovereign control over nature, including the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all their depths. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. (Psalm 135:6-7) 6. The Lord's Mighty Acts in History The psalm recounts the Lord's mighty acts, such as striking down the firstborn of Egypt and performing signs and wonders. These events are central to the Hebrew narrative of God's deliverance and power. (Psalm 135:8-9) 7. The Defeat of Nations and Kings The psalmist recalls how the Lord defeated great nations and mighty kings, including Sihon and Og, and gave their land as an inheritance to Israel. This emphasizes God's role as a warrior and protector of His people. (Psalm 135:10-12) 8. The Eternal Nature of the Lord's Name The psalm affirms that the Lord's name endures forever, and His renown through all generations. This highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of God. (Psalm 135:13) 9. The Lord's Justice and Compassion The psalmist declares that the Lord will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants, reflecting God's justice and mercy. (Psalm 135:14) 10. The Futility of Idols The psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols made by human hands, which cannot speak, see, hear, or breathe. This critique of idolatry underscores the Hebrew belief in the futility of worshiping anything other than Yahweh. (Psalm 135:15-18) 11. Final Call to Bless the Lord The psalm concludes with a call for the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, the house of Levi, and all who fear the Lord to bless Him. This inclusive call to worship reinforces the communal aspect of praise. (Psalm 135:19-21) Lessons from Psalm 135 1. Praise the Lord for His Goodness Psalm 135 opens with a call to praise the Lord, reminding us of the joy and privilege it is to worship our Creator. "Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD; give praise, O servants of the LORD" (Psalm 135:1). This verse encourages us to start each day with gratitude, acknowledging God's goodness in our lives. By focusing on His blessings, we can cultivate a heart of thankfulness that transforms our perspective and energizes our daily routines. 2. Remember His Sovereignty The psalmist emphasizes God's supreme authority over all creation: "For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods" (Psalm 135:5). This truth reassures us that no matter the chaos or challenges we face, God is in control. Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to let go of anxiety and focus on what we can do today, knowing He holds the future. 3. Reflect on His Mighty Works Psalm 135 recounts the mighty acts of God, from creation to the deliverance of Israel. "He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings" (Psalm 135:10). Reflecting on these acts reminds us of God's power and faithfulness throughout history. By remembering His past deeds, we can find confidence in His ability to work in our lives today. 4. Acknowledge His Justice The psalm highlights God's justice, stating, "The LORD will vindicate His people and will have compassion on His servants" (Psalm 135:14). This assurance of divine justice encourages us to act righteously and trust that God will ultimately set things right. It inspires us to live with integrity, knowing that our actions align with His eternal truth. 5. Reject Idolatry The psalm warns against the futility of idols: "The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men" (Psalm 135:15). In our modern world, idols can take many forms, from material possessions to personal ambitions. By recognizing and rejecting these distractions, we can focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God. 6. Embrace His Everlasting Name God's name endures forever, as the psalmist declares: "Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, through all generations" (Psalm 135:13). This eternal truth invites us to find our identity and purpose in Him. By aligning our lives with His eternal name, we can live with a sense of purpose that transcends the temporary. 7. Celebrate His Creation The psalmist praises God for His creation, stating, "He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from His storehouses" (Psalm 135:7). This celebration of creation encourages us to appreciate the beauty around us and recognize God's hand in every detail. Taking time to enjoy nature can refresh our spirits and inspire creativity. 8. Trust in His Deliverance Psalm 135 recounts God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, a powerful reminder of His ability to rescue us from our own trials. "He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast" (Psalm 135:8). Trusting in His deliverance empowers us to face challenges with courage, knowing that He is our refuge and strength. 9. Proclaim His Praise The psalm calls all of Israel to praise the Lord: "House of Israel, bless the LORD; house of Aaron, bless the LORD" (Psalm 135:19). This communal call to worship reminds us of the importance of fellowship and shared faith. By gathering with others to proclaim His praise, we strengthen our faith and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. 10. Live in His Presence Finally, Psalm 135 invites us to dwell in God's presence: "You who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God" (Psalm 135:2). Living in His presence means seeking Him daily through prayer, Scripture, and worship. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can experience His peace and guidance in every aspect of our lives. Topics 1. Call to Praise the LORD (Verses 1-2) The psalm begins with an exhortation to praise the LORD, specifically directed at the servants of the LORD who stand in His house. The Hebrew word for "praise" (הַלְלוּ, "halelu") is an imperative, emphasizing the importance and urgency of worship. 2. The LORD's Goodness and Choice of Israel (Verse 3-4) The psalmist declares the LORD's goodness and His choice of Jacob (Israel) as His treasured possession. The Hebrew term for "treasured possession" (סְגֻלָּה, "segullah") indicates a special, valued relationship. 3. The LORD's Greatness and Sovereignty (Verses 5-7) The psalmist acknowledges the LORD's greatness and His sovereign power over creation. The phrase "whatever the LORD pleases, He does" underscores His omnipotence and freedom. 4. The LORD's Mighty Acts in History (Verses 8-12) The psalm recounts the LORD's mighty acts, including the striking down of Egypt's firstborn and the defeat of great kings. These historical events demonstrate His power and faithfulness to His people. 5. The LORD's Enduring Name and Justice (Verses 13-14) The psalmist affirms the eternal nature of the LORD's name and His commitment to justice for His people. The Hebrew root for "name" (שֵׁם, "shem") signifies reputation and character. 6. The Futility of Idols (Verses 15-18) The psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, which are made by human hands and have no power. The Hebrew word for "idols" (אֱלִילִים, "elilim") implies worthlessness. 7. Call for All to Bless the LORD (Verses 19-21) The psalm concludes with a call for the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, the house of Levi, and all who fear the LORD to bless Him. The Hebrew root for "bless" (בָּרַךְ, "barak") conveys a sense of adoration and reverence. Themes 1. Praise for the LORD's Name Psalm 135 begins with a call to praise the name of the LORD, emphasizing the importance of worship and reverence for God's holy name. The Hebrew word for "praise" (הַלְלוּ, hallelu) is a command to give glory and honor to God, highlighting the central theme of worship in the psalm. 2. God's Sovereignty and Election The psalm speaks of God's choice of Jacob and Israel as His treasured possession (Psalm 135:4). This theme underscores God's sovereign will and His special relationship with His chosen people, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "segullah" (סְגֻלָּה), meaning a treasured possession. 3. God's Supremacy Over All Gods The psalm declares the greatness of the LORD above all gods (Psalm 135:5). This theme affirms the monotheistic belief in the supremacy of the God of Israel over any other deities, emphasizing His unmatched power and authority. 4. God's Creative Power The psalm recounts God's creative acts, such as making the heavens and the earth (Psalm 135:6-7). This theme highlights God's omnipotence and His role as the Creator, which is foundational to understanding His authority and majesty. 5. God's Deliverance and Justice The psalm recalls God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His judgments against nations (Psalm 135:8-12). This theme emphasizes God's role as a deliverer and judge, showcasing His justice and faithfulness to His promises. 6. Futility of Idols The psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols made by human hands (Psalm 135:15-18). This theme critiques idolatry and underscores the futility of worshiping anything other than the true God, reflecting the Hebrew understanding of "elilim" (אֱלִילִים), meaning worthless or vain idols. 7. Call to Bless the LORD The psalm concludes with a call for the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, and the house of Levi to bless the LORD (Psalm 135:19-21). This theme reinforces the communal aspect of worship and the call for all of God's people to acknowledge His greatness and offer Him praise. Prayer Points Praise God for His Greatness Spend time in prayer, praising God for His unmatched power and authority over all creation. Thank God for His Mighty Acts Reflect on specific ways God has worked in your life and thank Him for His intervention and provision. Ask for a Heart of Worship Pray for a heart that is continually drawn to worship and adore God in all circumstances. Seek Deliverance from Idols Ask God to reveal any idols in your life and for the strength to turn away from them and towards Him. As we study Psalm 135, may our hearts be filled with reverence and awe for the Lord, who is worthy of all our praise and devotion. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Psalm 135:6–7, how can we reconcile the claim that God directly controls weather events with modern scientific understanding? 2. Psalm 135:8 mentions the death of all Egyptian firstborn—what historical or archaeological evidence supports or challenges this widespread event? 3. In Psalm 135:10–11, God is said to have struck down nations (including Sihon and Og)—why is there limited archaeological evidence of such direct divine intervention? 4. Psalm 135:15–18 dismisses idols as mere human constructs—how do we address ancient records and artifacts that suggest widespread and longstanding belief in these deities? 5. Psalm 135:4 states that God chose Jacob for Himself—is this concept of divine favoritism at odds with the broader biblical theme of God’s universal love for all people? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 135 inspire you to praise God in your daily life? 2. How does the sovereignty of God, as depicted in the Psalm, affect your understanding of your place in the universe? 3. Reflect on verses 5-7. How do these verses shape your understanding of God's power over nature and the universe? 4. In verses 8-12, the Psalmist recalls God's judgment on Egypt and Canaan. How does this historical context influence your perspective of God's justice? 5. How does the Psalmist's description of God's compassion and mercy in verses 13-14 impact your view of God's character? 6. The Psalmist contrasts God and idols in verses 15-18. What "idols" do people often worship in today's society, and how does this contrast with worshiping God? 7. How can we apply the teachings of Psalm 135 to navigate modern-day challenges and crises? 8. The Psalm concludes with a renewed call to praise God. How can you cultivate a habit of praise in your life? 9. How can this Psalm influence your prayers and your relationship with God? 10. How does understanding God's sovereignty and mercy influence your actions towards others? 11. Reflect on the role of God as a redeemer. How does this resonate with your personal experiences? 12. How can we live out the message of Psalm 135 in our communities? 13. What does it mean to fear the Lord in the context of this Psalm and in present day living? 14. How can Psalm 135 help you in your spiritual growth? 15. In the Psalm, God's love for Israel is mentioned. How does this reflect God's love for all of humanity? 16. What practical steps can you take to avoid idolatry in your life? 17. How can we see the manifestation of God's love and mercy in our everyday life? 18. In the face of injustice, how can the Psalmist's recount of God's justice encourage us? 19. How does the depiction of God's power in this Psalm provide comfort during personal trials and tribulations? 20. Based on this Psalm, what attributes of God stand out to you the most and why? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions