Psalm 135:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 135:4-5

Psalms 135:4-5. For the Lord hath chosen Jacob, &c. Here we have a third reason why the Israelites should praise the Lord, namely, “the circumstance of their having been selected from among the nations to be his church, to receive the law and the promises, to have his presence residing in the midst of them, and to be the guardians of the true faith and worship.” For I know that the Lord is great, &c. Here he assigns a fourth reason for their praising God, “his superiority over the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 135:1-21

Psalms 135-136 God’s choice of IsraelTwo hymns for use in Israel’s public worship appear here side by side. The first is a hymn of praise, the second a hymn of thanksgiving. The two hymns are similar in that they both recall God’s loving acts in nature and on behalf of his people Israel. These acts display God’s incomparable greatness on the one hand and show up the uselessness of the gods of the heathen on the other.A call goes out to the worshippers gathered in the temple to praise God... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 135:5

our LORD = Adonim. App-4 . gods. Hebrew. 'elohim. App-4 . Used here of earthly rulers (Psalms 82:6 ), as representing God. See note on Exodus 22:9 , and compare Romans 13:1-7 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Psalms 135:5

III."For I know that Jehovah is great,And that our Lord is above all gods."The eternal and almighty God, omnipotent, ubiquitous and omniscient is surely entitled to praise and adoration on the part of men. All nature sings the glory of God, why shouldn't I?"Above all gods." This is not a reference to idols, but to earthly rulers, as in Psalms 82. (See chapter introduction there). Idols are mentioned in Psalms 135:15-18, but not in this passage. The meaning of this phrase is, "Above all that is... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 135:5

Psalms 135:5. Above all gods— That is, "Infinitely superior to all those imagined deities which other nations worship as their gods." Mudge renders the first clause, yes, I myself have experienced that the Lord, &c. and he observes, that אני ani, seems to have an emphasis, to shew that the author had experienced the divine power, perhaps in arming or controuling the elements in his favour. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 135:1-21

Psalms 135This psalm of descriptive praise lauds God for His greatness and for blessing His people. Like Psalms 134, it calls on the priests to praise the Lord."The status of Psalms 135, 136 in relation to the Great Hallel psalms . . . in ancient Judaism is not clear. Some Jewish authorities include Psalms 135, 136 as a part of the collection of Psalms 120-136, whereas others limit the Great Hallel psalms to 135-136, or even to Psalms 136 alone. Like the Songs of Ascents, Psalms 135 is related... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 135:4-7

The sovereignty of God is what called forth the poet’s praise in this psalm. The Lord chose Israel as His special treasure (cf. Deuteronomy 7:6). He is also greater than all the pagan gods because He does whatever pleases Him (cf. Psalms 115:3). This is obvious in His control of nature. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 135:4-18

2. The cause for praise 135:4-18 read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 135:1-21

A Ps. of praise suitable for public worship, beginning and ending with the liturgical Hallelujah. It is full of rich mosaics illustrating Jehovah’s greatness and the vanity of idols. Psalms 134, 135 were sometimes taken as one by the Jews, Psalms 135 being an expansion of 134, with certain elements from Psalms 115.4. Peculiar treasure] see on Exodus 19:5. 7. For the rain] i.e. to produce rain, as it was thought: cp. Zechariah 10:1 RV. Treasuries] storehouses, where, according to ancient belief,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 135:5-6

(5, 6) Adapted from Psalms 115:3. read more

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