Bible Commentaries

This Psalm is probably by Hezekiah, continuing the Songs of the Degrees. Corresponds with 114 and 115. See Structure (p. 826).

Praise ye THE LORD = Hallelujah. App-4.

name. See note on Psalms 20:1.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. (App-4). Note the three Jehovah's between Jah in Psalms 135:1 and Elohim in Psalms 135:2. Corresponding with the threefold blessing of Numbers 6:22-27.

the courts. This includes the People as well as the priests and Levites.

it: i.e. His name.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Jacob. Compare Malachi 1:2. Romans 9:13. Put also by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for his posterity (App-6).

Israel. See notes on Genesis 32:28; Genesis 43:6; Genesis 45:26, Genesis 45:28.

peculiar treasure = own possession. See note on Exodus 19:5.

our LORD = Adonim. App-4.

gods. Hebrew. "elohim. App-4. Used here of earthly rulers (Psalms 82:6), as representing God. See note on Exodus 22:9, and compare Romans 13:1-7.

heaven, and in earth. Hezekiah's expression. See App-67.

wind. Hebrew. ruach. App-9. Compare Psalms 135:7 with Jeremiah 10:13; Jeremiah 51:16.

treasuries. Hebrew = treasures, put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct) for treasuries (App-6), and rightly so rendered. Compare Job 38:22.

smote, &c. Compare Exodus 12:29.

man. Hebrew. "adam. App-14.

wonders. Compare Ex. Psalms 7:14, and Psalms 136:15.

smote, &c. Compare Numbers 21:26, Numbers 21:34-35.

Sihon. Compare Numbers 21:21-34. Deuteronomy 1:4.

Og. Compare Deuteronomy 31:4. Joshua 13:31.

all. Compare Joshua 12:7.

gave their land. Compare Joshua 12:7. An heritage. Repeated by Figure of speech Anadiplosig. App-6.

Thy name. Compare Psalms 135:13 with Exodus 3:15.

For, &c. Compare Deuteronomy 32:36.

judge = vindicate.

repent Himself = have compassion.

The idols, &c, Psalms 135:15-18. Not "borrowed" from Psalm 115, but repeated, and varied, because the object here is quite different. Psalm 115 = heathen theology; Psalm 185 = Divine theology.

heathen = nations.

breath. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

are = will become.

trusteth = confideth. Hebrew. batah. App-69.

house of Israel. Includes all Israel. Compare Psalms 115:12. See note on Exodus 16:31.

Levi. Not included in 115.

out of Zion. Shows that this Psalm is an expansion of Psalm 134.

dwelleth. Figure of Speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.