Commentary Critical And Explanatory On The Whole Bible

Ps 135:1-21. A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship.

1-3. In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.

4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next, His manifested greatness in creation and providence.

6. heaven, and ... seas, and all ... ends of the earth -- denote universality.

8, 9. The last plague [Ex 12:29] is cited to illustrate His "tokens and wonders."

10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.

13. heritage -- or, "possession."

name ... memorial -- Each denote that by which God is made known.

14. will judge -- do justice (Ps 72:2).

repent himself -- change His dealings (Ps 90:13).

15-18. (Compare Ps 115:4-8).

18. are like unto them -- or, "shall be like," &c. Idolaters become spiritually stupid and perish with their idols (Isa 1:31).

19-21. (Compare Ps 115:9-11). There we have "trust" for "bless" here.

21. out of Zion -- (Compare Ps 110:2; 134:3). From the Church, as a center, His praise is diffused throughout the earth.