For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Here is the second reason why God should be praised—he is great, greater far than any other being—"above all gods"—"more to be feared than all gods" ( Psalms 96:4 ). This greatness is shown, firstly, in his power over nature, which is the subject of Psalms 135:7 , Psalms 135:8 ; and secondly, in his dealings with mankind, which form the subject of Psalms 135:8-12 . read more
Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he (comp. Psalms 115:3 ). God's power is only limited by his own attributes of truth and goodness. He cannot contradict his own reason, or his own moral qualities. Otherwise he can do anything and everything. In heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. This is intended as a complete division of space: read more
God's power can carry out God's will. "All that Jehovah willeth he hath done." Observe the contrast with idols. If it were conceivable that they had the power to will , it is manifest that they have not the power to carry out , or execute, their will. Observe the contrast with men. They, undoubtedly, have the power to will, but the inability to perform oppresses them continually. "I would, but cannot," is the constant cry of man's feebleness. But a limitation on God's power to... read more
For I know - I, as the representative of Israel, and speaking in the, name of the people. This is said as the foundation or the reason for praise. It was the thorough conviction of the psalmist that God was great above all who were claimed to be gods, and that he only was worthy of worship.That the Lord is great - See the notes at Psalms 95:3.And that our Lord is above all gods - All that are worshipped as gods. read more
Whatsoever the Lord pleased - God is an absolute sovereign. He has formed a plan, and has carried it out. He has made the world as he chose, and he has ordered all its arrangements according to his own pleasure. As a universal sovereign, he has a right to universal adoration. See the notes at Psalms 115:3.In heaven, and in earth ... - These are put for the universe; these are the universe. In these places - in all worlds - on the land and in the ocean - even in the profound depths of the sea,... read more
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
Psalms 135:6. Whatsoever the Lord pleased Either in the creation or government of the world; that did he in heaven and in earth His power and jurisdiction are universal, and not like those of the heathen gods, confined, as their worshippers allowed, to their several countries; in the seas, and all deep places In the visible seas, and in the invisible depths, both of the earth and of the waters. Here, then, the psalmist evinces the pre-eminence of Jehovah above the gods of the nations,... read more
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
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
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 135:1-21
God's praises. "An exhortation to the priests and Levites who wait in the sanctuary to praise Jehovah, both because of his goodness in choosing Israel to be his people, and because of his greatness, and the almighty power which he has shown, in his dominion over the world of nature, and in the overthrow of all the enemies of his people. Then his abiding majesty is contrasted with the nothingness of the idols of the heathen." I. THE GENERAL GROUNDS OF THE PRAISE OF GOD .... read more