Bible Verse:What does Psalm chapter 135 mean?
Chapter Context
This song mentions God's creation (Genesis 1:1) and His role in defeating Israel's enemies during the exodus (Exodus 12:29–30; Deuteronomy 29:7). Scripture often points out that objects such as idols have no power, at all (1 Chronicles 16:26; 1 Corinthians 8:4; 12:2). Jerusalem and Zion are often used as different names for the same city (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). Psalm 135 includes three uses of the renowned term halelu-yāh. Parts of this psalm resemble segments of Psalm 115.
What does Psalm chapter 135 mean?
The "house of the L
ORD" is the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1) and later the temple (1 Kings 6:1) where the ark was kept (Exodus 25:22). The servants there are from the tribe of Levi (Numbers 1:50; Leviticus 8:35). The psalmist calls on these temple workers to worship the Lord God. A primary reason for this praise is that God chose the nation of Israel—descendants of Jacob (Genesis 32:28)—to be His people (Psalm 135:1–4).
Unlike false gods, the Lord is the only Creator (Genesis 1:1). His power is seen in nature such as the various forms of weather. Every part of creation is subject to His sovereignty: the Lord's unstoppable authority and power (Psalm 135:5–7).
God's supremacy is also shown in Israel's victories over earthly kings and nations. God freed Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3:20). This included the death of Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 12:29–30). Because of the Lord's power (Deuteronomy 8:17–18), Israel was able to enter into Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:1–2) to take the land and deliver God's judgment on evil (Deuteronomy 9:4–5). These are worthy reasons to praise Him (Psalm 135:8–12).
The Lord is also greater than any other being, real or imaginary. His reputation will last forever because of what He does for His chosen people (Psalm 78:2–4). Manmade idols are just objects. Unlike the living God (Joshua 3:10), idols cannot move, speak, or act. Trusting in them is foolish (Psalm 115:4–8). Those who worship their own creations will eventually be just as lifeless as those objects (Psalm 135:13–18).
All of Israel should celebrate the Lord with praise. Israel was the name given to Jacob (Genesis 32:28) who became the father of Israel's twelve tribes, including Levi (Genesis 35:23–26). Priests come from the line of Aaron (Exodus 40:13–15) who was of the tribe of Levi (Numbers 26:59). Zion and Jerusalem are names for the same place: the center of Israel's government and spiritual life (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). Worship is an expression of proper "fear" of God (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 112:1) that recognizes Him as Lord and responds accordingly (Psalm 135:19–21).
