Psalm 135

Authorship

This Psalm is anonymous.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. Praise Him for who He is. (1-5)

A. Praise ye the Lord:

1. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise Him, O ye servants of the Lord.

2. Praise Him, you that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God,

B. Praise Him because He is good.

C. Sing praises unto His name; for it is pleasant.

D. Praise Him because He has chosen Jacob unto Himself.

E. Praise Him because He has chosen Israel for His peculiar treasure.

F. Praise Him because He is great.

G. Praise Him because He is above all gods.

II. Praise Him for what He has done. (6-14)

A. God did whatever He pleased in the universe:

1. In heaven.

2. In earth.

3. In the seas.

4. In all the deep places.

5. In the weather:

a. He causes the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth.

b. He makes lightning for the rain.

c. He brings the wind out of His treasuries.

B. He did wonders in Egypt:

1. He smote the firstborn of man and beast.

2. He sent tokens and wonders into the midst of Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all His servants.

(Note: His signs and wonders were only “tokens” of His power!)

C. He did wonders in the nations:

1. He smote great nations, and slew mighty kings:

a. Sihon king of the Amorites.

b. Og king of Bashan.

c. All the kingdoms of Canaan.

2. He gave their land for a heritage to His people.

D. His name and memorial endures to all generation.

E. He is the judge of His people and will repent concerning His servants.

III. Praise Him because He is greater than idols. (15-18)

A. The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

B. They have mouths, but they speak not.

C. They have eyes, but they see not.

D. They have ears, but they hear not.

E. They have mouths, but they breathe not.

F. They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusts in them.

IV. Bless the Lord. (19-21)

A. Bless the Lord, O house of Israel.

B. Bless the Lord, O house of Aaron.

C. Bless the Lord, O house of Levi.

D. Bless the Lord, ye that fear the Lord.

E. Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem.

F. Praise ye the Lord.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 135,3 יְהוָה {C} MT, G, Hebr, T // lit: 11Qa om / lic: S clav הוּא

Ps 135,7 בְּרָקִים {A}

Ps 135,17 בְּפִיהֶם {A}

Ps 135,21 הַלְלוּ־יָהּ {B}