Bible Commentaries
Psalms 135

Verses 1-21

CXXXV. The Almighty Power of Yahweh and His Favour to Israel.— This Ps. is largely borrowed. Thus Psalms 135:7 is from Jeremiah 10:13; Jeremiah 10:10-12 from Psalms 136:7 ff., Psalms 136:14 from Deuteronomy 32:36, Deuteronomy 32:15-20 from Psalms 115. Particular verses were probably assigned to different soloists, or again to separate choirs. Thus in Psalms 135:5 the transition from plural to singular (“ Yea, I know” ) may be explained, if we suppose that it is the leader of the choir who begins to speak here. It is likely enough that in Psalms 135:19 f, different choirs or the choir proper and the people speak. But all this is uncertain, and becomes much more uncertain when the division is carried out more minutely.

Psalms 135:1-4 . Prologue. An invitation to praise Yahweh for His choice of Israel.

Psalms 135:3 . name: of Yahweh (see Psalms 31:1).

The main piece.

Psalms 135:5-18 . Yahweh’ s greatness in nature and in the wonderful way which He led the people out of Egypt and into Canaan. The God who did all this is contrasted with the idols which are only senseless blocks. Their worshippers become as blind as themselves.

Psalms 135:14 b. Translate “ will show mercy on his servants.”

Psalms 135:19-21 . Epilogue renewing the invitation to praise Yahweh.

Psalms 135:21 . Read, “ in Zion.”