PSALM 135

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.

2 Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God.

3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

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

5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

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

7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.

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

9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

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

11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:

12 And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.

13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.

13. heritage-or, "possession."

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

14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

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

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

15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

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

16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;

17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.

18 They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.

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

19 Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:

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

20 Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.

21 Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

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