Psalms

Chapter 135

Give Praise, O Servants of the LORD

This psalm calls the servants of the LORD to praise him and then gives the reasons for that praise in widening circles. The LORD is good, he has chosen Jacob for himself, he rules heaven and earth, he acts in weather and history, he struck Egypt and the kings of Canaan, his name endures, he vindicates his people, and unlike the mute idols of the nations, he is living and active, so all Israel is summoned to bless him from Zion.

After the short liturgical close of the Songs of Ascents, Psalm 135 opens out into a broader hymn of praise. It fits Book V by combining temple worship, election, exodus, conquest, enduring name, and polemic against idols, showing that Israel's praise is grounded not in sentiment but in the LORD's living power across creation, history, and covenant.

1 section·141 words·~1 min read

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Psalms 135

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vv. 1-21

Give Praise, O Servants of the LORD

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H¹allelujah! ²who stand in the house of the LORD, ³Hallelujah, for the LORD is good; ⁴For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, ⁵For I know that the LORD is great; ⁶The LORD does all that pleases Him ⁷He causes the clouds to rise

⁸He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, ⁹He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, ¹⁰He struck down many nations ¹¹Sihon king of the Amorites, ¹²He gave their land as an inheritance, ¹³Your name, O LORD, endures forever, ¹⁴For the LORD will vindicate His people

¹⁵The idols of the nations are silver and gold, ¹⁶They have mouths, but cannot speak; ¹⁷they have ears, but cannot hear; ¹⁸Those who make them become like them, ¹⁹O house of Israel, bless the LORD; ²⁰O house of Levi, bless the LORD; ²¹Blessed be the LORD from Zion —

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01vv. 1-21Give Praise, O Servants of the LORDThe psalm begins by calling the servants of the LORD to praise him for his goodness and for his choice of Jacob. It then rehearses his greatness in creation and redemption, from storms to Egypt to the defeat of kings and the gift of land, and finally contrasts him with the powerless idols of the nations before summoning Israel, Aaron, Levi, and all who fear the LORD to bless him from Zion.