Bible Commentaries

PSALM 135

THE ARGUMENT

This Psalm contains an exhortation to all the Israelites, and especially to the priests and Levites, to praise God for his great and wonderful works; some particulars whereof are here recorded.

The servants of the Lord are exhorted to praise him, for his mercy to Israel, by his might and power, Psalms 135:1-7; for his judgments on Egypt and other nations, Psalms 135:8-14. The vanity of idols, and those that trust in them, Psalms 135:15-18. The house of Aaron and Levi are exhorted to bless God, Psalms 135:19-21.

Ye priests and Levites, as Psa 134 1.

Either in the temple or the inner court, which were appropriated to the priests and Levites; or in the outward court, which was for the people. See 2 Chronicles 4:9.

Is good; bountiful and gracious, especially to you, and therefore he justly expects and deserves your praises.

Is pleasant; the work itself of singing praises to God is pleasant, as it is more fully expressed, Psalms 147:1.

Above all that are called

gods, or worshipped as gods by the heathen people. And therefore seeing they commonly praise and extol their idols, it becometh you not to be silent as to the praises of your God.

Whatsoever the Lord pleased, either in, the creation or government of them,

that did he in heaven and in earth; his power and jurisdiction is universal, and not like that of the heathen gods, which is confined to their several countries.

In the seas, and all deep places; in the visible seas, and in those invisible depths, both of earth, and of the waters which are contained in the bowels of the earth.

The vapours; which are the matter of clouds and rain.

From the ends of the earth; either,

1. From the sea, the common source of vapours, 1 Kings 18:44 Amos 5:8; wherewith both the earth in general, and several particular countries, are terminated or bounded: or rather,

2. From all parts of the earth, from one end to another; as the borders of a land are commonly put for the whole land, from one border to another, as Psalms 105:31,33 147:14, and oft elsewhere. For in this sense this phrase is generally used in Scripture, as Job 28:24 38:13 Psalms 19:4,6 48:10, and every where.

He maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth water even out of the fire; he maketh thick clouds, which being broken produce lightnings, and so are dissolved into showers of rain. So the lightnings are both a sign, and in some sort the cause of rain. Or, he maketh lightnings with (as this particle is used, Genesis 46:26 Psalms 89:4 119:56,98) rain, i.e. he causeth both of them to come out of the same cloud.

Out of his treasuries; out of those secret places where he reserves them, and whence he bringeth them, as he sees fit. Thus we read of treasures of snow and hail, Job 38:22; not that they are formally laid up in any certain places, but to signify that God hath them as much at his disposal, as any man hath that which he hath laid up in his stores.

From the general works of nature, he comes to God’s special works of providence towards his people.

These wonderful works of thine shall never be forgotten. The land which thou gavest us, Psalms 135:12, and which we yet enjoy, is an everlasting monument of thy power and goodness, and an obligation and encouragement to trust in thee in all our present or future difficulties.

Will judge his people; will in due time plead the cause of his people, or give judgment for them, as this phrase is used, Deuteronomy 32:36 Jeremiah 5:28 22:16.

He will repent himself concerning his servants; he will recall that severe sentence which for their sins he had passed upon them, and be reconciled to them.

Of this and the following verses, See Poole "Psalms 115:4", See Poole "Psalms 115:5", &c.

Blessed be the Lord out of Zion; by the assemblies of his people in Zion or Jerusalem.

Which dwelleth at Jerusalem: this clause may be added either to distinguish the true God from the gods which were worshipped in other places and countries; or as a reason why they should bless God, because he had blessed and honoured that place with his gracious and glorious presence.