Read Psalm 135
Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does Psalm 135:1a call us to praise? What, specifically (verse 1b)? Whom does it urge (verse 1c)? Where do they stand (Psalm 135:2)? Why praise Him (Psalm 135:3a)? Why else (verse 3b)? Whom has YHWH chosen (Psalm 135:4a)? For Whom? As what (verse 4b)? What does the psalmist know about YHWH (Psalm 135:5a)? Whose Lord is He (verse 5b)? How exalted is He? What does He do (Psalm 135:6a)? Where (verse 6b–c)? What types of things does He cause in the general creation (Psalm 135:7)? Whom did He destroy (Psalm 135:8)? For what purpose (Psalm 135:9)? Whom did He defeat (Psalm 135:10-11)? What did He do with their land (Psalm 135:12)? How long will His Name be known (Psalm 135:13a)? How long will His fames last (verse 13b)? Why, what will He do for whom (Psalm 135:14a)? And what else for whom (verse 14b)? Who cannot do such things (Psalm 135:15)? Why, what are they made of (verse 15a)? What are they (verse 15b)? What things do they have, and in what ways are they useless (Psalm 135:16-17)? Who else become like this (Psalm 135:18a)? Who else (verse 18b)? What does Psalm 135:19a call whom to do (verse 19a)? Whom else (verse 19b)? Whom else (Psalm 135:20a)? Whom else (verse 20b)? Who is to be blessed from where (Psalm 135:21a)? Who dwell there (verse 21b)? How does verse 21c conclude the Psalm? As an inclusio with what (cf. Psalm 135:1a)?
Why should God’s people praise Him? Psalm 135 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-on verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s people should praise Him, because it is their inheritance to do so, and He is eminently worthy of it.
The Lord’s Name is to be praised (Psalm 135:1b, Psalm 135:3b). It is the special privilege of His chosen (Psalm 135:4) to do so. They may stand in His house (Psalm 135:2a) and its courts (verse 2b), because they are His servants (Psalm 135:1c).
In Psalm 135:1-4, it is His goodness (Psalm 135:3a) and pleasantness (verse 3b) that are the focus of this praise.
Then, in Psalm 135:5-7, the Lord’s greatness is the focus of this praise. He is great in His almighty, free, sovereign providence (Psalm 135:6-7). There is nothing that He cannot do (Psalm 135:5)! (as opposed to the “all gods” who are the idols that cannot do anything, Psalm 135:15-17).
Third, in Psalm 135:8-12, the Lord’s faithfulness is the focus of this praise. He delivered them from their captors (Psalm 135:8-9), and He delivered their enemies into their hands (Psalm 135:10-11), in order to give them what He had promised as their inheritance (Psalm 135:12).
Finally, in Psalm 135:13-13, the Name and fame of the Lord are forever (Psalm 135:13), because His delivering His people and having compassion on His servants is forever (Psalm 135:14). It is foolish to love money, or any false god; they cannot love you back.
What true worship can makers, or trusters, of idols offer? None at all; they are like their idols (Psalm 135:18).
But the chosen of the good, great, faithful, just, and compassionate God… true worship is their great privilege and inheritance (Psalm 135:19)! His worship is the inheritance of the house of Israel (verse 19a). Leading His worship is the inheritance of the house of Aaron (verse 19b). Facilitating His worship is the inheritance of the house of Levi (Psalm 135:20).
The Lord makes His dwelling among those who fear Him (Psalm 135:21), blessing them from there, unto His praise.
Dear reader, how great is the inheritance of them who are chosen to be worshipers of the true and living God! Is this your inheritance? The praise the Lord, bless the Lord, and sing praises to His Name. Praise the Lord!
How does your valuing of worship compare to its value in this Psalm? What place has God’s goodness had in your praises of Him? What place has God’s supreme sovereignty had in your praises of Him? What place has God’s faithfulness had in your praises of Him? What place have God’s saving acts and persistent compassion had in your praises of Him?
Sample prayer: We praise You, O Lord. We prise Your Name, as Your servants, in Your house. Help us sing praise to Your Name, for it is pleasant. Truly, You are great above all gods. You do whatever You please in heaven and earth, in the seas and in all deep places! Volcanoes, lightning storms, and hurricanes are all at Your beck and call. You have been faithful to all Your promises, and saved us with a great salvation. No invention of men could do any of this, least of all have compassion upon us. Your greatest compassion has been to choose us for Yourself, as Your special treasure, that we might have the privilege of worshiping You forever and ever. Give us to claim that privilege today, and our whole life long, until You bring us into Your glory, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP135A “Hallelujah! Praise the LORD’s Name” or TPH135 “O Praise the LORD! His Praise Proclaim!”
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