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Psalms 135

Psalms 135 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 135 is a call for God's servants to praise him in worship and remember who he is. It joins thanksgiving for his goodness with a strong witness to his power over creation, Egypt, and the nations. The psalm ends by calling all who fear the LORD to bless his name.

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What happens in Psalms 135?

This psalm opens and closes with praise. It tells the servants of the LORD to bless his name because he is good, chosen his people, and stands above all other gods. The psalm recounts God's rule over weather, his judgments on Egypt, and his victories over kings and nations, showing his saving care for Israel. It contrasts the living LORD with idols that cannot speak, see, hear, or breathe. The final verses gather Israel, Aaron, Levi, and all who fear the LORD into one united chorus of blessing.

Psalm 135 belongs to the latter part of the Psalter, where worship and memory of God's mighty acts are closely joined. It draws on earlier history from the exodus and conquest to show that the LORD who acted for Israel still deserves praise. As part of the Hallelujah psalms, it leads the reader from reflection on God's deeds to a call for ongoing worship.

Themes to notice

  • Praise and WorshipGod's people are called to bless his name because he is good and worthy of honor.
  • God's PowerThe LORD rules creation and history, showing strength in weather, judgment, and victory.
  • Idols and TrustThe psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols and warns against trusting them.

Questions for Psalms 135

  • What reasons does Psalm 135 give for praising the LORD?
  • How does the psalm use Israel's history to show God's power and care?
  • What does the contrast between the LORD and idols teach about where trust belongs?

Read the full text of Psalms 135 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 135

Give Praise, O Servants of the LORD

1Hallelujah!

Praise the name of the LORD.

Give praise, O servants of the LORD,

2who stand in the house of the LORD,

in the courts of the house of our God.

3Hallelujah, for the LORD is good;

sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.

4For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own,

Israel as His treasured possession.

5For I know that the LORD is great;

our Lord is above all gods.

6The LORD does all that pleases Him

in the heavens and on the earth,

in the seas and in all their depths.

7He causes the clouds to rise

from the ends of the earth.

He generates the lightning with the rain

and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.

8He struck down the firstborn of Egypt,

of both man and beast.

9He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt,

against Pharaoh and all his servants.

10He struck down many nations

and slaughtered mighty kings:

11Sihon king of the Amorites,

Og king of Bashan,

and all the kings of Canaan.

12He gave their land as an inheritance,

as a heritage to His people Israel.

13Your name, O LORD, endures forever,

Your renown, O LORD, through all generations.

14For the LORD will vindicate His people

and will have compassion on His servants.

15The idols of the nations are silver and gold,

made by the hands of men.

16They have mouths, but cannot speak;

they have eyes, but cannot see;

17they have ears, but cannot hear;

nor is there breath in their mouths.

18Those who make them become like them,

as do all who trust in them.

19O house of Israel, bless the LORD;

O house of Aaron, bless the LORD;

20O house of Levi, bless the LORD;

you who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!

21Blessed be the LORD from Zion—

He who dwells in Jerusalem.

Hallelujah!

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