Overview 

Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise, proclaiming the greatness and sovereignty of God. It calls on all believers to praise the Lord for His mighty works, His creation, and His faithfulness to Israel. The psalm emphasizes God’s greatness above all other gods and highlights His justice, power, and the covenantal relationship He has with His people. It contrasts the living God with the lifeless idols worshipped by other nations, demonstrating that God is not only sovereign over Israel but over all creation.

Theologically, Psalm 135 highlights several key themes: God’s sovereignty, the uniqueness of God, His judgment on idols, and His faithfulness to His promises. It reaffirms the idea that God alone is worthy of worship, stressing His active role in history and His ongoing covenant with His people. Through the psalm, believers are reminded to respond to God’s sovereignty with praise and gratitude for His ongoing work in the world.

This psalm also calls the people of Israel to trust in God’s faithfulness and to affirm His role as Creator and King. The psalm reflects the importance of worshipping the one true God, contrasting this with the foolishness of idol worship, and it ends with a call for blessing upon God’s people. Its message remains deeply relevant to Christians today, as it encourages believers to recognize God’s sovereignty and His supreme worth in their lives, as well as to reject any idols or false gods that would vie for their allegiance.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 135 is part of the larger collection of psalms known as the “Hallel” psalms (Psalms 113–118), which were sung during the Jewish festivals, particularly during the Passover and other celebrations in Jerusalem. These psalms were part of the liturgy of the temple and were meant to encourage the people of Israel to praise and worship the Lord. Psalm 135, in particular, serves as a hymn of praise and a declaration of God’s superiority over all other gods and idols. It is also a call to reflect on God’s redemptive work in the history of Israel.

This psalm is written at a time when Israel was surrounded by nations that worshiped false gods, and it serves as a strong reminder to the people of Israel of their identity as the chosen people of the one true God. The psalmist contrasts the living God with the dead idols that were worshipped by the surrounding nations. The message of this psalm would have been particularly relevant to the Israelites, who faced the temptation to worship these idols and needed to be reminded of the faithfulness and power of the God of Israel.

Psalm 135 also likely served to encourage the people of Israel in their worship, especially during times of hardship or exile, reminding them that God reigns supreme over all creation and that their trust should be in Him alone. The psalm’s focus on the sovereignty of God and the rejection of idols speaks to the ongoing struggle between the worship of the one true God and the influence of idolatry that persisted throughout Israel’s history.

In the New Testament, Psalm 135’s themes resonate with the teaching of Jesus, who repeatedly affirmed the sovereignty of God and the call to worship the Father alone. Jesus’ rejection of idolatry and His proclamation of the kingdom of God align with the psalm’s message that only God is worthy of worship.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. God’s Sovereignty

The psalm underscores the sovereignty of God over all creation, showing that He is the Creator and the supreme ruler of heaven and earth. God is not just the God of Israel but the God who made the heavens, the earth, and the seas, and who has authority over all things. This theme of God’s sovereignty is central to the psalm and calls all people to recognize His supreme power and authority.

In evangelical theology, God’s sovereignty is a foundational doctrine, affirming that God is in control of all things. His reign is not only universal but also personal, as He governs the lives of His people. This understanding of God’s sovereignty calls believers to trust in God’s plan for their lives, knowing that He is actively involved in the world and in the lives of His people.

2. The Uniqueness of God

Psalm 135 contrasts the living God with the lifeless idols worshipped by the surrounding nations. The idols are described as powerless and ineffective, while God is described as active, alive, and powerful. The psalmist calls on the people of Israel to recognize that their God is unique, incomparable, and worthy of worship.

This theme speaks to the theological concept of monotheism—the belief in the existence of only one true God. In a world where idolatry was rampant, Israel was called to recognize and worship the one true God. Today, this principle continues to hold theological significance as believers are called to reject any false gods or idols in their lives and to worship God alone.

3. God’s Faithfulness

The psalm emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His promises, particularly in relation to His covenant with Israel. God is described as one who has shown His power and faithfulness in the past by bringing judgment upon the Egyptians and delivering Israel. His faithfulness is a central theme that encourages His people to trust in His ongoing care and protection.

In evangelical theology, God’s faithfulness is a comforting and encouraging truth. It means that God keeps His promises, that His word is sure, and that believers can trust in Him no matter the circumstances. This theme calls believers to rest in the assurance of God’s covenantal love and to respond with faithfulness and obedience to His will.

4. The Call to Worship

The psalm opens with a call to praise the Lord and emphasizes the importance of worshiping God. Worship is the natural response to God’s greatness, sovereignty, and faithfulness. This theme stresses that worship should not be confined to a specific location or time but should be an ongoing, integral part of the believer’s life.

In evangelical theology, worship is seen as the primary purpose of human existence. It is the ultimate expression of love, reverence, and gratitude to God. Psalm 135 calls believers to live a life of continual worship, offering praise to God in every situation. Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a lifestyle that reflects God’s glory in all areas of life.

5. The Futility of Idols

A significant theme in this psalm is the futility of idols. The psalmist mocks the idols of the nations, highlighting their powerlessness in contrast to the living God. This serves as a reminder that anything that competes for God’s rightful place in our lives is ultimately worthless.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis 

Verse 1: 

“Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord; praise him, you who serve the Lord.”

In this opening verse, the psalmist begins with a clear call to worship, urging the people to praise the Lord. The repetition of the command to “praise” emphasizes the importance of worship as an active and ongoing response to God’s greatness. The use of the phrase “praise the name of the Lord” highlights the importance of recognizing God’s identity and character—His name represents His being, His attributes, and His work.

The phrase “you who serve the Lord” is specifically directed to the priests and Levites who ministered in the temple, but by extension, it applies to all believers today. In the New Testament, every believer is considered a priest, as 1 Peter 2:9 states, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood.” Therefore, all Christians are called to offer praise and serve the Lord in worship.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: This verse speaks to the priesthood of all believers. In the Old Testament, the priests were the ones who facilitated worship, but in Christ, all believers are invited to offer worship. Worship is not just for those who serve in official roles, but for everyone who has been redeemed by God. This verse reminds believers that worship is not passive but requires intentional action. True worship involves both the heart and the hands, recognizing God’s greatness and responding in praise.

In application, this calls us to be intentional in our worship, whether in a church setting or in daily life. It challenges believers to engage in worship not just in formal services, but as a lifestyle of praise in all circumstances.

Cross-reference: 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Verse 2: 

“You who minister in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.”

Here, the psalmist directs the call to praise specifically to those who serve in the temple, in the courts of God’s house. This refers to the priests and Levites who conducted the daily rituals of worship, offering sacrifices and maintaining the sacred space of the temple. The “house of the Lord” refers to the temple, the place where God’s presence was uniquely manifested among His people.

The mention of “the courts of the house of our God” reminds the worshipers that God’s presence is not confined to one specific area but that His people are to approach Him in worship wherever they are, while still recognizing the temple as the central place of God’s dwelling.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: In the New Testament, Christians believe that God’s presence is no longer confined to the temple building but resides in the hearts of believers (1 Corinthians 6:19). The psalm, therefore, encourages believers to serve and worship God in spirit and truth, wherever they are. Even though the physical temple no longer exists, the call to worship and serve God in His presence continues today through the church, which is the spiritual temple of the living God.

This verse also teaches that worship requires commitment and service. Worship is not just an emotional experience but an act of service that involves both sacrifice and dedication. As believers, we are called to serve the Lord in the “courts” of His presence, offering our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 6:19 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”

Verse 3: 

“Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.”

This verse emphasizes two foundational truths about God: His inherent goodness and the pleasure of praising Him. The psalmist invites God’s people to praise Him for His goodness. God is not only powerful but also kind and righteous in all His ways. The call to “sing praise to His name” highlights the natural response of worship that arises from acknowledging God’s goodness. The phrase “for that is pleasant” speaks to the joy and satisfaction that come from offering praise to God. Praise is not only right but also brings delight to those who engage in it.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: God’s goodness is a central theme in biblical theology. It affirms that God’s nature is inherently good and that everything He does is good, whether in creation or in the lives of His people. Recognizing God’s goodness is fundamental to worship. When we see God as good and trustworthy, our natural response is to praise Him. The psalm teaches that worship is not only a duty but a delight. This attitude of worship invites believers to experience joy in praising God, knowing that it brings Him glory and fills our hearts with satisfaction.

In practical terms, this verse encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and praise, recognizing that God’s goodness is evident in every part of life. Worship should be approached not as a ritual obligation but as a joyful response to God’s nature and His actions in our lives.

Cross-reference: Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Verse 4: 

“For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession.”

This verse recalls the election of Israel as God’s chosen people, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament. The psalmist affirms that God has sovereignly chosen Israel as His special people, a people whom He has set apart for His purposes. The phrase “treasured possession” conveys the value God places on Israel. Israel is not chosen because of any inherent merit, but because of God’s love and grace.

Doctrinal Insight and Application: God’s choice of Israel is a profound theological truth that speaks to God’s sovereignty and grace. He chose Israel not because of their greatness but because of His love and desire to fulfill His purposes through them. In the New Testament, believers are grafted into this chosen people through faith in Christ (Romans 11:17). This reminds Christians of their identity as God’s chosen people, called to live out His purposes in the world. The concept of being God’s “treasured possession” is a comfort to believers, affirming their value and worth in God’s eyes.

For Christians today, this verse calls us to remember that our worth comes not from our own achievements but from God’s choosing and love. It encourages us to live as God’s special people, reflecting His grace in our lives.

Cross-reference: Romans 11:17 – “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.”

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 135, with its call to worship and its affirmation of God’s sovereignty, goodness, and election of Israel, has profound implications for understanding the broader redemptive story. In the context of the Bible, this psalm points directly to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the promises made to Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, God promises to be with His people and to provide for them, and in Christ, these promises find their ultimate fulfillment.

Jesus is the true “chosen one,” and in Him, all of God’s promises to Israel come to fruition. The psalm speaks of God choosing Israel as His treasured possession, but in Christ, believers from all nations are now grafted into this chosen people. As Romans 9:25-26 affirms, Gentiles who believe in Christ become part of God’s covenant family. Jesus, the Son of God, is the true Israel, and through His life, death, and resurrection, He opens the way for all people to become the “treasured possession” of God.

Moreover, Psalm 135 highlights God’s supremacy over idols, which Jesus directly confronts in His ministry. Jesus declares that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and through His work, He shows that no idols or false gods can compare to the living God. The psalm speaks of God’s authority over creation, and in Christ, that authority is fully revealed as He performs miracles, heals the sick, and ultimately defeats death itself. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s sovereignty, power, and goodness, fulfilling all the Old Testament prophecies and establishing a new covenant through His blood.

Christ is also the fulfillment of the psalm’s call to worship. While the psalm calls for all people to praise God, it is in Jesus Christ that we are fully able to do so, through His atoning work on the cross. In Him, we are made right with God, and through Him, we offer true worship. He becomes the perfect mediator between God and humanity, allowing us to come into God’s presence and praise Him in spirit and truth.

Connection to the Father

Psalm 135 reveals God as the sovereign Creator, the One who rules over the heavens and the earth, and the Father who has chosen Israel as His special people. This idea of God’s sovereignty and goodness is consistent throughout Scripture, and in the New Testament, it is particularly significant in relation to the Father’s plan of salvation. God the Father’s will is central to the work of Jesus Christ. It is the Father who sends His Son into the world to redeem humanity, and it is through Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will that the salvation of the world is secured.

In this psalm, the Lord’s choice of Israel as His “treasured possession” is a reflection of His loving sovereignty. In the New Testament, we see this extended to all believers, who, through faith in Jesus Christ, become God’s adopted children (Ephesians 1:5). The Father’s love for His people is not confined to Israel but extends to the whole world, and through Christ, He invites all to become part of His family.

Furthermore, Psalm 135’s affirmation that God is greater than any idol points directly to the Father’s plan to reveal Himself fully in Jesus Christ. While people in the Old Testament were tempted to worship idols, God the Father sent His Son to reveal His true nature. In Christ, the Father shows His glory, as Jesus says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Through Christ’s life and work, the Father’s love and sovereignty are fully revealed.

The call to praise in Psalm 135 is a call to honor God the Father. As believers today, we are invited to praise God the Father through the Son. This relationship is the foundation of Christian worship, as we acknowledge the Father’s sovereignty and goodness in our lives, made possible through the work of Jesus Christ.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not explicitly mentioned in Psalm 135, but the theological truths expressed in the psalm are deeply connected to the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Spirit is the one who enables worship, sanctifies believers, and makes the presence of God real in their lives. While the psalmist calls the people of Israel to worship God in the temple, it is through the Holy Spirit that believers today can experience God’s presence anywhere.

The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live out the truth of Psalm 135 by making worship a reality in their hearts. The psalmist calls for praise, and it is the Spirit who stirs believers to respond in worship. Jesus promises in John 14:17 that the Spirit will be with His followers, teaching them to know the Father and enabling them to worship in spirit and truth. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, opens the eyes of believers to the greatness of God, leading them to praise and to understand God’s sovereignty and goodness.

Moreover, the Holy Spirit is the one who unites believers in worship, creating a community that offers praise to God. The Holy Spirit unites the church as the body of Christ, and it is through the Spirit that Christians are able to offer worship in a way that is pleasing to God. As Psalm 135 calls the people of Israel to praise God, it is the Spirit who enables the people of God to do so authentically and collectively in the church today.

Connection to God’s Love

Psalm 135 speaks of God’s love in the context of His election of Israel as His chosen people and His faithfulness to them. God’s love is displayed in His sovereign choice of Israel, as well as in His actions on their behalf, including their deliverance from Egypt and His provision throughout their history. This love is seen in God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, which He keeps despite the unfaithfulness of His people. In this sense, God’s love is both covenantal and redemptive, constantly drawing His people back to Himself.

In the New Testament, God’s love is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God’s love for humanity is made manifest, not just for Israel but for the entire world. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross demonstrates the depth of God’s love, as He willingly took on the sins of the world in order to reconcile humanity to the Father. God’s love in the Old Testament, seen in His care for Israel, is now extended to all believers in Christ, who have been grafted into the covenant through Jesus’ blood.

The love of God in Psalm 135 is not just a distant love; it is a love that calls for a response. Just as the people of Israel were called to praise God for His goodness and faithfulness, believers today are called to respond to God’s love by worshiping Him and living lives that reflect His love. Through Jesus Christ, God’s love is poured into the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), and this love compels Christians to offer their lives in worship and service to God.

Sermon Outline and Flow: “The Call to Praise: God’s Sovereignty and Our Response”

Introduction:

• Opening Question: How often do we truly consider the greatness and sovereignty of God in our daily lives? How does our understanding of His power and goodness shape our worship and service?
• Introduction to Psalm 135: Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise that calls the people of God to worship and bless the Lord. It speaks of His sovereignty over all creation, His goodness, and His judgment over idols. This psalm challenges us to acknowledge God’s greatness and to respond with worship. It teaches that worship is not only an act of the heart but an ongoing life response to God’s sovereign rule.
• Thesis: Today, we will explore how Psalm 135 calls us to recognize God’s sovereignty and greatness, reject idols, and offer praise to Him as a response to His goodness and power.

Main Points:

1. Recognizing God’s Sovereignty and Goodness (Psalm 135:1-3)

• Point: Psalm 135 opens with a call to praise God for who He is—sovereign, good, and worthy of worship. The repetition of “praise” emphasizes the need for an active response to God’s greatness.
• Transition: The psalmist specifically directs this call to the servants of the Lord, highlighting that worship is not for a select few but for all believers. We are all called to bless the name of the Lord.
• Application: Recognizing God’s sovereignty in our lives is foundational for true worship. When we see God as ruler over all creation, our response should be praise and submission. Acknowledging His goodness encourages us to offer thanks for His ongoing faithfulness.
• Example: Imagine a child who looks up to their parent because they know they are loved and cared for. That child, out of a heart of gratitude, naturally wants to spend time with and honor their parent. In the same way, when we recognize God’s goodness, our hearts respond in worship.

2. Rejecting Idols and Recognizing the Uniqueness of God (Psalm 135:4-7)

• Point: The psalmist contrasts the living God with the dead idols of the nations. God is the Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth, and He rules over all. Idols, on the other hand, are powerless and lifeless, incapable of creating or saving.
• Transition: The psalm not only calls us to worship God but to reject anything that might take His place in our lives. God alone is worthy of our devotion.
• Application: Idolatry is not just about physical idols but about anything in our lives that we elevate above God. It could be money, success, relationships, or even our own desires. We are called to examine our lives and remove any “idols” that compete for God’s rightful place.
• Example: Consider a person who strives for success at work and begins to neglect their spiritual life and relationships. Over time, their work becomes their idol. Like the psalmist’s warning, we are called to recognize that anything that takes priority over God is ultimately powerless and unworthy of our devotion.

3. God’s Faithfulness to His People (Psalm 135:8-14)

• Point: The psalmist recounts God’s mighty acts on behalf of Israel—His deliverance from Egypt, His guidance, and His judgment on their enemies. This emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.
• Transition: Recognizing God’s sovereignty and goodness leads us to remember His faithfulness in our own lives. He is a God who keeps His promises and who has been faithful to His people in every generation.
• Application: Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in our lives builds our trust in Him. Worship is not only a response to who God is but also to what He has done. As we remember His past faithfulness, we are encouraged to trust Him for the future.
• Example: Reflecting on a personal story or testimony of someone who has experienced God’s faithfulness in the midst of trials, such as a financial breakthrough or healing after a long struggle, can help the congregation see how worship is deeply connected to recalling God’s works in their lives.

4. Our Response: A Life of Praise and Worship (Psalm 135:15-21)

• Point: The psalm concludes by calling all people to praise the Lord, especially Israel. It emphasizes that all people should bless God for His sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness. Worship should be a lifestyle, not just a moment in time.
• Transition: As believers, we are invited to offer our lives as an ongoing act of worship, reflecting God’s glory in everything we do.
• Application: Worship is a daily response, not just a Sunday activity. We are called to bless God in every part of our lives, whether in work, relationships, or personal challenges. True worship extends beyond words and songs; it is lived out in how we respond to God’s sovereignty.
• Example: Consider a person who intentionally makes their work, their family time, and their service in the church an act of worship. They do all things as if doing them for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). This lifestyle of worship transforms every part of life into an opportunity to honor God.

Conclusion:

• Summary: Psalm 135 invites us to recognize God’s greatness and sovereignty, reject idols, remember His faithfulness, and respond with lives of praise and worship. Worship is not confined to a specific place or time—it is a continuous, everyday expression of our devotion to the living God.
• Call to Action: I invite you today to examine your life. Are there areas where you have allowed idols to take the place of God? Are you living a life that reflects continual worship, recognizing God’s sovereignty and goodness in all things? Let us commit to being a people who offer true worship, who praise the name of the Lord, not just with our lips but with our lives.
• Closing Prayer: Pray that the congregation would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of continuous worship, rejecting idols, remembering God’s faithfulness, and offering their lives as an act of praise to God.

Illustrations and Examples:

1. The Athlete’s Discipline in Training: Just as an athlete dedicates themselves to training, preparation, and performance, believers are called to dedicate their lives to worship, training their hearts and minds to continually respond to God’s greatness. The athlete’s perseverance is like the believer’s daily act of worship—an ongoing, intentional commitment to God.
2. The Family Sharing Gratitude Around the Dinner Table: A family that regularly shares what they are thankful for at the dinner table is a picture of gratitude and worship. Similarly, worship is a lifestyle of recognizing God’s goodness and expressing it through words and actions. As the family is united in gratitude, so the church is united in worship, offering praise to God together.
3. The Story of an Overcoming Believer: A person who has gone through a difficult season—such as illness, financial hardship, or relational struggle—and has emerged with a deeper faith and trust in God exemplifies the connection between worship and reflecting on God’s faithfulness. Just as the psalmist remembers God’s past acts of deliverance, so we are called to remember God’s faithfulness in our lives and offer praise in all circumstances.

Application for Today’s Christian:

1. Discipleship: True discipleship involves living a life of worship. Disciples are called to constantly grow in their relationship with God, recognizing His sovereignty and goodness in all things. This requires intentionality in engaging with God through prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection on His works in our lives.
2. Stewardship: Worship is an act of stewardship. God has entrusted us with time, talents, and resources, and our worship is a way of managing these gifts. Every action, from work to rest, should be seen as an offering to God. This mindset of stewardship invites believers to see all of life as an opportunity to praise and honor God.
3. Living Out Faith: Worship is not only a Sunday morning activity but should permeate every area of a Christian’s life. From the way we treat others to how we respond to life’s challenges, worship should be lived out daily. This passage calls Christians to live with intentionality, making every moment a moment of worship, as we reflect God’s glory through our actions and attitudes.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some “idols” in your life that you need to reject to make room for more worship of God? Reflect on areas where you might be giving more attention to material things, success, or relationships than to your relationship with God. How can you realign your priorities to honor God first?
2. How does recognizing God’s sovereignty and goodness in your life influence the way you worship and respond to life’s challenges? Think about specific situations in your life where recognizing God’s sovereignty and goodness has helped you overcome difficulty or has deepened your worship.
3. In what ways can you incorporate worship into your everyday activities? Consider practical steps to turn your work, family time, and service into acts of worship. How can you ensure that your entire life reflects God’s greatness and goodness?
4. How does Psalm 135 challenge your understanding of what it means to live a life of continuous worship? Reflect on the psalm’s message and how it calls you to make worship a lifestyle. What changes might you need to make in your life to truly live as a worshiper of God in all things?