Bible Commentaries
Psalms 135

Verse 1

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 .

Verse 2

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

Verse 3

it: i.e. His name.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

Verse 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 .

Verse 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 .

Verse 6

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

Verse 7

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 .

Verse 8

smote, &c. Compare Exodus 12:29 .

man. Hebrew. 'adam . App-14 .

Verse 9

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

Verse 10

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

Verse 11

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

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

all. Compare Joshua 12:7 .

Verse 12

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

Verse 13

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

Verse 14

For, &c. Compare Deuteronomy 32:36 .

judge = vindicate.

repent Himself = have compassion.

Verse 16

The idols, &c, Psalms 135:15-18 . Not "borrowed" from Psalms 115:0 , but repeated, and varied, because the object here is quite different. Psalms 115:0 = heathen theology; Psalm 185 = Divine theology.

heathen = nations.

Verse 17

breath. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .

Verse 18

are = will become.

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

Verse 19

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

Verse 20

Levi. Not included in 115.

Verse 21

out of Zion. Shows that this Psalm is an expansion of Psalms 134:0 .

dwelleth. Figure of Speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .