Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. 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. Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,
Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
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.
For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
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.
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.
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."
Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.
Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; 10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.
Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:
And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.
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. 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). The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. 15-18. (Compare Ps 115:4-8).
They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
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).
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.
Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
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. |
