Introduction: Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise to God, celebrating His greatness and sovereignty over all creation. It is a call to worship and a reminder of the many reasons to praise the Lord. The psalmist invites the congregation to praise God for His mighty deeds, His chosen people, and His supreme power over all other gods. The psalm is a beautiful expression of adoration and reverence for the Lord, and it encourages believers to join in the chorus of praise.
I. Praise for God’s Mighty Deeds (Psalm 135:1-4)
Psalm 135 begins with an exhortation to praise the Lord, for He is good, and His name is pleasant. The psalmist calls on the servants of the Lord, those who minister in the temple, to praise God. The reason for this praise is God’s mighty deeds, particularly His choice of Israel as His treasured possession. Cross-reference verses include Deuteronomy 7:6, where God declares Israel as His chosen people, Exodus 15:11, which praises God for His mighty acts, and 1 Peter 2:9, which speaks of believers as a chosen generation and a royal priesthood.
II. Praise for God’s Sovereignty over Creation (Psalm 135:5-14)
In this section, the psalmist praises God for His sovereignty over creation. He acknowledges that God does whatever He pleases in heaven, on earth, and in the seas. The psalmist refers to God’s control over natural phenomena, such as clouds, lightning, and rain, and His power to strike down the firstborn of Egypt. The psalmist also celebrates God’s victories over powerful nations and kings, affirming that God’s name endures forever. Cross-reference verses include Psalm 115:3, which declares that God does as He pleases, Jeremiah 10:12-13, which speaks of God’s power over creation, and Exodus 12:29, which recounts the plague on the firstborn of Egypt.
III. Praise for God’s Supremacy over Idols (Psalm 135:15-18)
The psalmist contrasts the greatness of God with the worthlessness of idols made by human hands. He describes these idols as lifeless and powerless, unable to speak, see, hear, or breathe. The psalmist warns that those who trust in idols will become like them—lifeless and without power. Cross-reference verses include Isaiah 44:9-11, which ridicules idol makers, Psalm 115:4-8, which also speaks of the futility of idols, and 1 Corinthians 8:4, which states that an idol is nothing in the world.
IV. Praise for God’s Enduring Faithfulness (Psalm 135:19-21)
The psalm concludes with a call for all of Israel, including the priests, Levites, and all who fear the Lord, to bless His holy name. The psalmist emphasizes that God’s faithfulness endures forever, and He will bless His people. Cross-reference verses include Psalm 117:2, which speaks of God’s enduring truth, Lamentations 3:22-23, which declares God’s faithfulness is great, and Revelation 19:5-6, which calls on all servants of God to praise Him.
Conclusion: Psalm 135 is a blessed hymn of praise that calls believers to worship God for His mighty deeds, His sovereignty over creation, His supremacy over idols, and His enduring faithfulness. The psalmist reminds us that God is worthy of all praise and that His greatness is beyond compare. As we reflect on the reasons to praise the Lord, we are encouraged to join in the chorus of worship, declaring His goodness and majesty. Let us, like the psalmist, lift our voices in praise to the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
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