◄ Psalm 135 ►
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Summary Give Praise, O Servants of the LORD Psalm 135 is a potent reminder of the greatness of God, His sovereignty, and His unfailing love. It implores us to shift our focus from the futility of idol worship to the rewarding worship of God who controls the universe and cares for His people. It challenges us to live a life of gratitude, worship, and steadfast faith, knowing fully well that our God is mighty, merciful, and eternally faithful. Verses 1-4: A Call to Praise The Psalm opens with a call to the servants of the Lord to praise His name, for He is good. The chosen ones, the people of Israel, are especially reminded of God's favor and love. Verses 5-7: The Greatness of God The Psalmist praises the greatness of God who does whatever He pleases, in heaven, on earth, and in the seas. God's power over the elements and the earth's phenomena is highlighted as an illustration of His supreme authority. Verses 8-12: God's Mighty Acts The Psalmist recounts God's mighty deeds, especially His acts of judgment on Egypt and the Canaanite kings, as a testament to His power and justice. Verses 13-14: The Eternal God of Mercy The Psalmist speaks of God's name and renown as eternal. He also emphasizes God's role as the redeemer who avenges His people and shows compassion upon them. Verses 15-18: The Vanity of Idols The Psalmist contrasts the living, powerful God with man-made idols, pointing out the futility of worshiping powerless idols who can neither see, hear nor speak. Verses 19-21: Renewed Call to Praise The Psalm concludes with a renewed call to praise the Lord from all His people, from the priests of Levi to all who fear the Lord. The psalmist exclaims the blessing that comes from dwelling in Jerusalem and being in the presence of the Lord. 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. 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) 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions