Overview of Psalm 135
Introduction
Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise that invites the people of God, particularly the servants in the temple, to celebrate God’s sovereignty, His creative power, and His mighty acts in history. This psalm weaves together themes of creation, historical deliverance, and the impotence of idols, drawing a clear contrast between the one true God and the false gods of the nations.
Call to Praise God (Psalm 135:1-4)
The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord, addressing the servants of the Lord who minister in the house of the Lord. It emphasizes praising God’s name for His goodness and His pleasure in His people.
Reasons to Praise
This section invites worship and celebrates God’s choice of Israel as His special treasure. It establishes the tone for the rest of the psalm, highlighting the personal relationship between God and His chosen people.
Celebrating God’s Sovereignty and Acts (Psalm 135:5-14)
The psalmist declares the greatness of the Lord and His supremacy over all gods. It recounts His deeds in creation and His interventions in Israel’s history, such as striking down great nations and mighty kings to deliver His people.
God’s Mighty Deeds
This part of the psalm serves to remind the Israelites of God’s active presence and power in shaping their destiny. It underscores God’s authority over nature and nations, affirming His role as the divine King who judges and saves.
The Folly of Idolatry (Psalm 135:15-18)
The psalm contrasts the power and reality of God with the vanity of idols made by human hands. It describes idols as lifeless and impotent, and extends this impotence to their worshippers.
Critique of Idol Worship
Here, the focus shifts to critiquing the surrounding cultures’ reliance on idols, using stark imagery to emphasize the foolishness of worshipping what is crafted by human hands. It serves as a warning against the spiritual blindness that idolatry brings.
Call for Universal Praise (Psalm 135:19-21)
The psalm concludes by calling all who fear the Lord, from the house of Israel to the Levitical priests and those who fear Him, to bless the Lord. It reinforces the communal aspect of worship, inviting a collective acknowledgment of God’s enduring mercy and power.
Inclusive Praise
This final section broadens the call to praise, urging a united and continuous recognition of God’s lordship. It encapsulates the psalm’s theme of joyful and communal acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty.
Connections and Theological Implications
Connection to Jesus Christ
Psalm 135 connects to Jesus Christ through its emphasis on divine sovereignty and the futility of idolatry. Christ, in the New Testament, is revealed as the supreme authority over creation, who overcomes the world’s false systems and gods (Colossians 2:15). His teachings and resurrection validate the psalm’s themes by demonstrating His power over death and His role as the true object of worship.
God’s Love for the World
This psalm demonstrates God’s love by reflecting on His active engagement in the lives of His people, from creation to historical deliverance. It portrays God as deeply committed to His creation and continually involved in guiding and protecting His people, highlighting His desire for their loyalty and worship.
Relevance Today
Psalm 135 remains profoundly relevant today for several reasons:
- Encouragement to Recognize God’s Hand: It encourages believers to acknowledge God’s hand in history and in their personal lives, fostering a deeper appreciation of His sovereignty.
- Warning Against Modern Idolatry: The psalm’s critique of idolatry serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of prioritizing material or created things above the Creator.
- Call to Communal and Personal Worship: It inspires both personal devotion and communal worship, emphasizing that praising God is an essential, joyful part of the believer’s life.
Psalm 135 serves as a vibrant call to worship, inviting believers to celebrate God’s sovereignty and to participate in a community that recognizes His supremacy over all aspects of life.