Psalms 135

Psalms 135:1

Psalm 135: The Why of Praise135:1, 2 The first two verses sound out a rather general summons to “Praise the LORD!” It is directed quite clearly to the priests and Levites, but probably also to all the people of Israel and to all that fear the Lord (see vv. 19, 20). 135:3 Notice the many reasons that are adduced for praising His name. He is good. No created tongue, in time or in eternity, will ever be able to tell how good He is. All we can do is state the fact and adore. His name is lovely, or pleasant. It is amazing grace that saves sinful wretches and destines them to eternal glory. 135:4 The LORD chose Israel as His own possession. The sovereign election of God leaves the wondering soul asking the perpetual question “Why me?” It is this that makes us worshipers! 135:5 The LORD is great. When we contemplate Him as Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer, we sing with deep appreciation “How great Thou art!” Our Lord is supreme above all gods, that is, above all rulers and potentates and above all idols. “On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev_19:16). 135:6 He is the universal Sovereign (v. 6). He does as He pleases in every imaginable realm. As Arthur Pink wrote: Divine sovereignty means that God is God in fact, as well as in name, that He is on the Throne of the universe, directing all things, working all things “after the counsel of His own will.” 135:7 He holds absolute power over nature. The clouds, the lightning and the windformidable as they areare directed by His mighty hand. Stephen Charnock says, “God’s power is like Himself: infinite, eternal, incomprehensible; it can neither be checked, restrained, nor frustrated by the creature.” 135:8, 9 He delivered Israel from Egypt. The greatest display of power in Israel’s history was the crushing of Pharaoh through the plagues (that were climaxed by the death of the firstborn) and by the parting of the Red Sea. 135:10, 11 He defeated Israel’s foes. God graciously gave victory to His people over Sihon, Og, and the heathen nations inhabiting Canaan. 135:12 He gave Canaan to Israel. The land of Canaan was given as a heritage to the escapees from Egypt. 135:13 He is eternal. His name endures forever, and His name, of course, stands for all that He is. He has eternal fame. He will be lovingly remembered throughout eternity. 135:14 He is just and compassionate. We can depend on thisthat God will vindicate His people and will have compassion on His servants. Moses sang it first in Deu_32:36 but the song will never end. 135:15-18 He is superior to idols. The mere description of these false gods is enough to expose their worthlessness. They are silver and gold, therefore perishable. They are created by man, therefore inferior to man. They are dumb, blind, deaf and lifeless. And sad to say, those who make them are like themspiritually blind, deaf, dumb and dead. 135:19, 20 Such a consideration of the greatness of God leads to the desire to bless Him, that is, to shower Him with honor, praise, homage, worship and thanksgiving. All the house of Israel should bless Him. All who minister as priests (house of Aaron) should bless Him. Those who serve as Levites should bless Him. All who revere the LORD should bless Him, which is another way of saying that all classes of men should praise Him. This is what Israel will sing when the Messiah returns to Zion and reigns from Jerusalem. 135:21 Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!That is what we should be saying and doing now.