The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 135
In brief
Psalm 135 is a song of praise addressed to the servants of the Lord gathered in his house. The psalmist gives his reasons: God chose Israel, he is great, and he does whatever he pleases in heaven, on earth and in the seas. He recalls God's interventions, from the exodus from Egypt to the gift of the land, then contrasts this living God with idols of silver and gold, mute and blind. The psalm reassures those who wonder who is really running the world.
The chapter in 5 parts
1Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh’s name! Praise him, you servants of Yahweh,
2you who stand in Yahweh’s house, in the courts of our God’s house.
3Praise Yah, for Yahweh is good. Sing praises to his name, for that is pleasant.
4For Yah has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel for his own possession.
5For I know that Yahweh is great, that our Lord is above all gods.
6Whatever Yahweh pleased, that he has done, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
7He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightnings with the rain. He brings the wind out of his treasuries.
8He struck the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and animal.
9He sent signs and wonders into the middle of you, Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his servants.
10He struck many nations, and killed mighty kings,
11Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12and gave their land for a heritage, a heritage to Israel, his people.
13Your name, Yahweh, endures forever; your renown, Yahweh, throughout all generations.
14For Yahweh will judge his people and have compassion on his servants.
15The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
16They have mouths, but they can’t speak. They have eyes, but they can’t see.
17They have ears, but they can’t hear, neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18Those who make them will be like them, yes, everyone who trusts in them.
19House of Israel, praise Yahweh! House of Aaron, praise Yahweh!
20House of Levi, praise Yahweh! You who fear Yahweh, praise Yahweh!
21Blessed be Yahweh from Zion, who dwells at Jerusalem. Praise Yah!
Key verses
For I know that Yahweh is great, that our Lord is above all gods.
The psalmist says I know: his praise rests on a conviction, not on a feeling. The Lord is above all gods.
Whatever Yahweh pleased, that he has done, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.
God meets no obstacle to his will. This verse affirms his sovereignty over the heavens, the earth and the depths.
Your name, Yahweh, endures forever; your renown, Yahweh, throughout all generations.
The name of the Lord and his remembrance last from generation to generation. What God has done remains a foothold for the faith of every generation.
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they can’t speak. They have eyes, but they can’t see. They have ears, but they can’t hear, neither is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, yes, everyone who trusts in them.
Idols are the work of human hands. Those who make them and trust in them become like them: the text invites us not to let ourselves be shaped by what cannot speak.
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What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 135
What does it mean that the Lord does whatever he pleases in Psalm 135:6?
This verse affirms God's sovereignty: his will is accomplished over all creation. It does not say that God wants evil, it says that nothing overwhelms him or forces his hand. It invites us to trust in him, even when circumstances seem out of control.
What does Psalm 135 say about idols?
In verses 15 to 18, the psalmist describes idols as objects of silver and gold made by human hands. They have a mouth, eyes and ears, but they do not speak, see or hear. Those who make them and trust in them become like them. The living God, by contrast, acts and answers.
How can I pray Psalm 135?
Use it as a guide for praise. Start with verses 1 to 3 to bless God's name, then meditate on his greatness in verse 5, and thank him for his acts in your life and in the history of his people. Finish with verses 19 to 21 by blessing him with your family or your church.
Articles quoting Psalm 135
World English Bible translation — public domain.