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Psalms 135

21 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise highlighting God’s sovereignty, the chosenness of Israel, and the futility of idols.

Summary

The psalm begins with an exhortation to all servants and the faithful standing in God’s house to praise His name. It recounts God’s favor toward Jacob and Israel, affirming His greatness and sovereignty over all gods. The text lists divine acts—creating weather, delivering Israel from Egypt, defeating mighty kings—showing God’s power over nations and nature. It declares that God will judge His people and bring repentance. The psalm contrasts the worthless idols of the heathen with the living God, condemning the idols’ inaction and the faithlessness of their makers. It concludes with blessings directed at the house of Israel, Aaron, and Levi, reaffirming God's dwelling in Jerusalem and Zion.

Outline
  1. 1. Call to praise and recounting God’s acts
  2. 2. God's judgment and the futility of idols
  3. 3. Benediction to Israel and affirmation of God's presence in Zion
Themes
Worship of GodSovereignty and JudgmentFaithfulness of Israel vs. Idolatry
Keywords
praisesacred namechosenjudgmentidolsIsraelJerusalem
People
JacobIsraelPharaohSihonOgAaronLevi
Places
house of the LORDhouse of IsraelJerusalemZionEgyptCanaanAmoritesBashan
Things
vapourslightningswindidolssacred nameheritage
Key Verses
  • Psalms 135:5: Affirms God’s supreme authority over all gods.
  • Psalms 135:8: Recalls the miracle of the Passover, foundational to Israelite identity.
  • Psalms 135:10: Highlights God's victory over kings, demonstrating His power.
  • Psalms 135:15: Sharp critique of idols, contrasting them with the living God.
  • Psalms 135:19: Culminates with a benediction, tying worship to blessing.
Questions
  • How does the psalm link God’s past acts to the present worship of Israel?
  • What is the significance of the comparison between idols and their makers?
  • In what ways does Psalm 135 affirm the special relationship between God and Israel?
  • Why is Jerusalem highlighted as the place where God dwells?
  • How does the psalm’s structure guide the believer from worship to blessing?
Sentiment

positive
Celebratory and affirming tone with emphatic praise and assurance of divine favor.