Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 135

Verses 1-21

PSALM 135

Ps 135:1-21. A Psalm of praise, in which God's relations to His Church, His power in the natural world, and in delivering His people, are contrasted with the vanity of idols and idol-worship.

1-3. In the general call for praise, the priests, that stand in the house of the Lord, are specially mentioned.

Verses 2-4

4-7. God's choice of Israel is the first reason assigned for rendering praise; the next, His manifested greatness in creation and providence.

Verses 5-6

6. heaven, and … seas, and all … ends of the earth—denote universality.

Verses 7-8

8, 9. The last plague [Ex 12:29] is cited to illustrate His "tokens and wonders."

Verses 9-10

10-12. The conquest of Canaan was by God's power, not that of the people.

Verses 11-13

13. heritage—or, "possession."

name … memorial—Each denote that by which God is made known.

Verses 14

14. will judge—do justice (Ps 72:2).

repent himself—change His dealings (Ps 90:13).

Verses 15

15-18. (Compare Ps 115:4-8).

Verses 16-18

18. are like unto them—or, "shall be like," &c. Idolaters become spiritually stupid and perish with their idols (Isa 1:31).

Verses 19

19-21. (Compare Ps 115:9-11). There we have "trust" for "bless" here.

Verses 20-21

21. out of Zion—(Compare Ps 110:2; 134:3). From the Church, as a center, His praise is diffused throughout the earth.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.